From East to West

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."  Psalm 103:12

I originally started this blog with a request for forgiveness...as this is yet another post about a lesson learned from my children.  However, I realize that there is no need for apologies.  Instead, let me start by praising God for continuing to reveal His character to me through my beloved children...

Just yesterday, one of my young daughters and I engaged in yet another battle of the wills.  It begins with what we're wearing for the day (and I try to be flexible - unless we're going to church, I don't even mind if they wear clothes that don't match; actually, I do mind but I've chosen to let it go!).  Then the battle moves to the brushing of teeth; then on to shoes.  Oh, the drama!  I have a hard time dealing with the ridiculousness of it all.  It's one thing to be upset about something critical; but to have an all-out meltdown about the length of our pants or supposed itchiness of our shirt?  It's driving me batty!  Not to mention that the same battle usually flares up again at bedtime!!

The morning-time battle ended and as we headed outside to play, my opponent from moments past breezed by me, hopping, skipping, and singing, and even shouted, "I love you, Mom!"  I, on the other hand, wasn't quite ready to forgive and forget.  So I did what anyone who'd been so violently offended would do...I pouted. 
 
Rather than joining my kids on the swing set, I chose to sit in my chair sulking in frustration.  I questioned how, and found myself almost irritated that my daughter was able to laugh, play, and love so soon after our confrontation.  Any notion of the offenses that had just taken place between the two of us was as far gone to her as the east is from the west.  And then the Holy Spirit painted an immaculate picture in my head: that is how God acts towards us when we repent of our sin.  No matter how big or little, if we seek His forgiveness from the depths of our heart - it's gone.  Erased.  He goes on to treat us, to love us as though nothing ever happened.
 
Heavenly Father, I praise You that "You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities" (v10); that, "as a father has compassion on his children, so You have compassion on those who fear You" (v13).  Thank you for allowing my daughter to be an example of Your unending love for me.  In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.