I lost my temper yesterday. Like, totally lost it.

I absolutely hate when I yell at my daughter. I hate even more to admit it, but I know I’m not alone in the struggle, so I want to share what God reminded me in this moment – gracious forgiveness.

The second I saw her sad face in response to my harsh tone, I immediately got down on her level and apologized. And you want to know what happened next? Her sweet little voice said “it’s ok mommy” and she wrapped me in the biggest hug.

Oh how my mama heart was so blessed by her response.

No backlash, no judgment, no “how could you say that to me?!” Just forgiveness. Just kindness. Just grace.

What a precious lesson of unconditional love she showed me.

The Bible teaches us to “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19) and also commands us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I was not slow to get angry with my sweet Saydie, but yet she was still quick to forgive me. What a perfect example of how our Faithful Father is quick to forgive us if we simply ask for him to.

I think we as adults can be much too quick to get angry, and much too slow to forgive and let go, but that’s not the legacy our Lord left for us. Let’s strive to love and forgive like our littles do – they are such a humbling example of how we’re called to engage with those around us.