She overheard me say it all exasperated to my man,
“Well I’m sorry, but…”
She waits for me to finish the sentence and then says it straight out,
“Ya know mama, when you say ‘but’ after ‘sorry’, you pretty much cancel the sorry.”
Well.
I don’t much enjoy getting called on the carpet by an eight year old, but she was right. So I swallowed my pride and told her as much. I know a mama needs to own her mistakes so her kids see what true repentance and humility looks like. But isn’t it easy to excuse a wrong by prettying it up with all our good reasons? And while it’s okay to explain ourselves when the situation requires it, sometimes we need to just let “I’m sorry” be the end of it.
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Matthew 5:37 NKJV
And in this spirit of speaking words that mean what we say they mean, I want to introduce my new tagline:
Isn’t she lovely?
It is my hope and prayer that fresh air is exactly what finds you in this little space. I know there are a gazillion other places you could be right now, and I don’t for a second take it for granted you cozied up here. May you find a good word that encourages you, one that brings Jesus close. May He be the One infusing fresh air into your soul, your relationships, and your faith.
**Top photo of Pike’s Peak taken from Palmer Park.**
Kristen,
I love the new tag line! You should know that everytime I come here Fresh Air does find me. It is so very nice to have this little time to work on my walk with him and to know that it is a relationship that I need to concentrate on a little more each day, even with my busy schedule. It makes my whole day better when I stop and breath in Fresh Air and spend time with my heavenly father each day. Thank you so much for your words and your “Fresh Air”. You are the best!
I love you, friend. Wish we were still next door neighbors! xoxo
Love it! You are always encouraging in a real-life, God-seeking way. And I do believe you have taught your daughter well, Kristen. How could she have such wisdom if not instilled in her by her momma?
Thank you, Becky. But about parenting? I just pray for God to keep filling in the gaps, ya know?
Why, YES! She is so lovely and perfectly fitting – I always find fresh air here at your place.
Aw, I love that you’re here, Jamie.
Beautiful new tagline! It fits you and your blog very well. Thanks for the fresh air! I’m off to feed some kiddos now!