“Make allowance for each other’s

faults, and forgive anyone

who offends you. 

Remember, the Lord forgave you, 

so you must forgive others. 

Above all, clothe yourselves

with love, which binds us all

together in perfect harmony. 

And let the peace that comes from

Christ rule in your hearts. 

For as members of one body

you are called to live in peace. 

And always be thankful.”  

(Colossians 3:13, NLT)

 

A few years ago, I was at work, going about my morning as I always did, when I got a text from my granddaughter, “Grandma, the school is on lockdown, but it’s not a drill!”

 

Needless-to-say, everything stopped in my world at that moment. I didn’t care that she hadn’t cleaned her room or done what I had expected of her; all that mattered—was her coming home safely. There was a threat of violence by a student and the student was reported to have a weapon. Upon a locker check the student was taken into custody, and my granddaughter was brought home by her mother.

 

That incident reminded me what happened when I went to the altar a few weeks prior. I went to the altar for a prayer for strength, but instead, I got a word of correction from God, “Don’t you let those children give you a heart attack! And stop yelling at them!” 

 

What! That's not what I came here for, I thought, completely embarrassed, and in tears as the congregation watched. I knew that wasn’t my pastor speaking, because I had a thought days prior to that, hoping that I wouldn’t have a heart attack, due to the stress of the situation my family and I were enduring. But the text from my granddaughter that Friday morning, put everything into perspective.

 

Honestly, I’ve been reflecting since then, and I can tell you that this life is not a drill, it’s real. And so are the people in our lives. I realized that petty issues in life are not worth the distance some issues create between families and friends. My granddaughter’s imperfections were the least of my concerns at that moment. She was my perfect teenaged, granddaughter! She was one of the joys in my life.

 

Of all the relationships we have in our lives; family life is the most complex, and sometimes, the most exhausting. But when we take a step back and look at them, the way God is looking at us; seeing all of our faults, issues and stuff, we really can't complain. All we can do is forgive, forget, and keep it moving! Everyday family life may not be perfect, but everyday we have our family, is a perfect day. 

 

I thank God, that I still have a chance to love and appreciate my children, even in their stuff. This is the same unconditional love that God gives to me!  It's also the kind that I desire to give and receive.

 

Let’s go to the Throne of Grace:

Father, please forgive me for being so imperfect, impatient, and sometimes selfish. I don’t mean to be that way, I just forget that I, too, am still a work in progress, and You are the only Perfect One. Lead me in Your perfect love, so I can have that perfect love of Yours to share. Thank You for loving me so unconditionally. I aspire to do the same with others, especially, my loved ones. Please help me! In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen!