“So they sent this message to Joseph: ‘Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: “Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.” So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.’” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept.” Genesis 50:16-17

Having To Say You’re Sorry

Walk His Way Revisited

I enjoy my life as a grandmother—especially the heartfelt sayings of my grandchildren. It seems in life when we are raising our children, we miss the fantastic analogies of their little minds because we are in the moment of training, teaching, and guiding them. Each day is full and busy with caring for them.

As a grandmother, I have the time to experience each and every word that comes out of their mouth—good or bad; and the time with them almost appears in slow motion. I’m not inferring that it’s always peaceful with my grandchildren, but the moments with them are centered entirely on who they are as individuals, what they are learning, and their interests in life at the time.

One day, two of my oldest grandchildren, ages seven and six, were arguing. This particular argument came to the point of inflicting not only hurt feelings but physical pain as well on the younger of the two. Their father immediately stepped in the middle of their heated argument and separated the two; made them go to their rooms to ‘cool off’ a bit and think about what they had said to each other, and what harm they had done.

After listening to both sides of their stories, their father had come to the conclusion that the eldest son needed to apologize to the youngest son. With hesitation, he did as he was told, and they were instructed to hug each other as well. After apologizing to his brother, he returned to his father and said, “Having to say you’re sorry is like having poop in your mouth.”

I believe both of my grandsons learned a very big lesson that day—especially my oldest. Sometimes we say “sorry” and the words come out easy because perhaps we weren’t really sincere. Other times it may be the hardest thing to do—and it won’t taste very good.

I believe that our hearts are revealed at the time when we have to say, “I’m sorry.”

Thank You, Lord, for the lessons You teach us as we read Your Word. Thank You for the lessons You teach us through the eyes of little children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.