It’s been a long day at work – the clients especially difficult, the traffic horrendous. When you get home you still have another full time job to finish. Dinner, laundry, cleaning, homework with the kids, reading. And you know that tomorrow it just starts all over again. It’s towards the end of the week and your sleep has suffered. You are grumpy.
As you hurriedly prepare dinner, the phone rings – another sales call. You hang up disgusted and frustrated. As you walk back to the kitchen, you notice that the little ones, instead of doing their homework, have gone out to play. Your patience thread snaps. You are done. Out you stomp and yell at the top of your lungs for the children to come back in. As they hang their heads and shuffle on in, you yell even more and say some things that you wish you could take back.
The reaction differs depending on the child’s temperament and on the age. One’s heart is broken, and shame hangs his head. Another’s eyes flash in anger and indignation. Dinner is a quiet affair.
It’s nighttime and they are in bed. Your chores are finished and reflection has been given its time. You realize that things could have been handled a lot more efficiently, consequences more natural. The lesson could have been learned another way.
You walk into their bedrooms and sit on the side of the bed. They are still awake. You say three words, “I am sorry.” The transformation is immediate. Little arms reach up to grasp your neck and pull you down for a kiss. One may ask for reasons. Your reasons are sufficient. They understand. Those three words have melted their heart.
The little ones have learned very important lessons that day. One – you are not infallible, you make mistakes too. You are human and this allows them to be human and make mistakes also.
Two – it’s okay to admit that you are wrong and to say I am sorry. No one should be too proud for those three words. An added, “Will you forgive me?” gives them the opportunity to verbally give forgiveness. Another lesson learned.
“I am sorry.” Those three simple words are very powerful. They build a strong bridge of communication and trust between two people. They grow love and they allow a person to be real. Don’t be afraid to use them.
Matthew 5: 23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
