Patience and Forgiveness

Patience walks hand-in-hand with forgiveness. I learned that from my toddler as I folded clothes and she unfolded them.

Then [the weary mother] came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I [refold the clothes my toddler unfolds]? Seven times?"

"No!" Jesus replied, "seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21)

I don’t know about you, but that takes a great deal of patience for me! Whenever my toddler is distracted I’ll quickly refold the clothes and attempt to get her to put them away. This keeps her busy and me as well. I can remain calm if I can keep moving toward my final goal—getting the clothes into her drawers—and she remains calm when she feels she is helping me.

Some days I’m too tired and she’s too quick. If I manage to get the clothing into her drawers she pulls it out immediately. When that happens I concede the battle. She’s a bright, inquisitive toddler and I thank God for the miracle of her being in our family.

Be patient and forgiveness will follow.