A rock that I had told him a dozen or more times to leave alone.
I got really upset. I ranted and raved and told him how upset I was not only because he broke the rock but also for his disobedience. I even started to cry. As the tears streamed down my face in my angry rant, he too started to cry.
This was not just any rock mind you, but a rock that belonged to my father, one that sat on his desk. He used it as a paper weight and as a reminder. Its one of the very few mementos that I have in my possession that were among his things. A rock he had picked up on one of his many road trips through the desert. A rock on which he had written the words "1st Stone".
The irony of the words printed on that rock are not lost on me.
As I sat there looking through tears at that rock and at my sons confused tear stained face I was caught up short in how ridiculous it all was. It's just a rock for crying out loud. The issue wasn't about a broken rock, but of obedience. I was caught up short by my own disobedience towards my heavenly Father. How many times have I broken something, my word, a promise, or a command? How many times have I come to the throne of grace in repentance, seeking forgiveness? Not once has He scolded me as I scolded my son, but rather extended a nail pierced hand and freed me from my shame.
In the gospel of John 8:1-12, Jesus faces a mob that is eager to stone to death a women who has been caught in adultery and in verse 7 he says "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." A reminder for us not to judge others when there is sin in our own lives that needs to be dealt with. However the lesson for me this day is what happens next. As the crowd disperses the women is left standing alone with Jesus and he asks her "Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?" When she answers "No one, Lord. " His reply is "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
He has given the woman hope. Hope for a new life. Hope for salvation. Hope to live a life freed from sin and the assurance of forgiveness.
He has given me hope.
" . . . He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
John 8:12
So I dried my eyes and those of my son and as I embraced him, I asked for his forgiveness and offered him mine, telling him that everything was going to be alright and that he was more important to me than a broken rock and that I loved him so very much, no matter what.
17 comments:
How many times have I had to tell my kids too, they are more important that an item that got broken, damaged or lost. Uggg . . . I am thankful how God heals our broken pieces.
Thank you for sharing.
What a great lesson! I'm sure your forgiveness spoke volumes to your son. As a mother, I'm so thankful that God repeatedly forgives me because I definitely don't handle every parenting situation with grace.
Visiting from Michelle's!
Beautiful story to share God's truths and remind us of our own need for more of Him and grace. :O)
As some may not know, Dad was a pastor at a small Christian church. He picked up several similar stones like that one, wrote "1st stone" on each and gave them out to his congregation along with a very similar message. I have one just like it as well and I look at it often. I remember the enthusiasm that he would sing Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, How Great Thou Art or so many others proclaiming grace, forgiveness and salvation. He was truly a man that understood what those words meant.
This left me a little teary. I know how important those momentos are from loved ones who are gone...but I also know that in the end, it's still just stuff. I, too, would have lashed out and then had to ask for forgiveness. Been through that cycle once or twice at my place!
Thank God for a God of forgiveness and grace.
Thanks for linking up, Sydney -- so happy to see you there!
"The irony of the words printed on that rock are not lost on me."...and I imagine your dad, smiling as your tears and loving arms spread over your child...
I don't like to make mistakes. It's my battle with perfectionism raging on. Recently, I had to apoligize for something to my eight-year-old. She instantly forgave me and ran to hug me. I wonder how often I accept her apoligies the same way.
I hear what you are saying and I have been in a similar situation. I find it ever so amazing how God continues to teach me lessons all the while I am trying to teach my children. This cycle makes me realize how much I need His grace and how much I need to impart His grace to my own children.
You know what I love here? The way you told the story. Just the way it happened. Real and true. It is beautiful. From beginning to end.
And filled to overflowing with hope. :)
Oh, I feel your pain. It's so hard to let go of things that have real meaning. Thanks for turning this into a lesson for all of us. And thanks for stopping by today!
Love the pictures that help tell the story.
this is so precious..the story of course but how I needed to be reminded of His love and forgiveness and not His scolding. This is a perfect word picture!
What a great picture of forgiveness ...
This was so touching. I am still sorry for a bit of your loss, that the First Stone is not in one piece. Save that little rock. Maybe you will write something on it some day. I found you via MOB.
This is so beautiful and convicting! What a great lesson for all of us. You know, I remember once when my son dropped a trivet he had made for me at preschool that had his handprint on it. I told him how special that trivet was to me and that if he broke it I would be so sad. A memory of my child is more precious to me than the child himself actually standing right in front of me. How dumb am I?!!
P.S. Just stumbled on Graceful today. Love it!!
Beautiful post. I'm always amazed by how my kids obedience/disobedience is a reflection of my current state. It's scary sometimes.
Got your comments. They went to spam because it contained a url. I put them back. Thanks! I'll email you later.
-FringeGirl
Thanks for bringing me over! I love your story, and it gives me one more sparkling facet to see God working in and through and still in this story.
What a great story and a great lesson in forgiveness and love!
Post a Comment