I’ve noticed a pattern lately.

My children have always done this, but my eyes were just opened to the beauty of this gesture, and probably because it is not something I would do as an adult.

Whenever I discipline G or S, they cry with broken hearts, with anger at the disciplinarian (moi, in case you were wondering), and sadness that they did not get their way.  Then, they usually immediately run right into my arms for comfort and love.  I whisper words of love, forgiveness, and explanation in their ears while I hug them tight.

As an adult, would I do that?  No.  My pride would get the best of me initially and I would need to walk away and process from there.  First, I would want to rationalize, make excuses, then from there move into the silent treatment.  Moping my way into the apologetic and heartfelt-sorrow-and-begging-forgiveness stage would come next and I walk forward from there without looking back.  I make sure to learn my lesson because life is much easier and much more beautiful that way.  Do this enough times and “I’m sorry” will come to your lips much faster. 

(Don’t ask me how I know.)

I am well aware that my kids will not always do this so I am going to treasure it while I can.  As I held S recently while she cried, I pondered how this may reflect the Father’s relationship with us as His children.  Do we run right to Him when we mess up?  (Not generally my first response, no.)  Will He accept us with open arms when we do?  

Absolutely.

Matthew 18:1-4

 ¹At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

 ²He called a little child and had him stand among them. ³And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven…”