I had, had one of those days at work. I stayed up way to late and was running low in the patience department. I sat in my car waiting in the school pick-up line to gather my youngest and head home. I would like to say, head home to relax, but any mother knows that is not the truth. When my husband walks in, he places his feet up, talks with the boys and relaxes. When I arrive home, I gather the mail, unload the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, look in the freezer for dinner, and then begin to fold the laundry I washed the day before.

My son did not indicate anything was wrong during the ride home, so when he handed me this sheet of paper that he wrote saying “Dear Mommy” I was surprised. Then I said, “Honey talk to Mom, don’t write me a note, what is wrong?”

With crocodile tears he said, “I pushed a boy today.” Ok, I am ashamed to admit that my first thought was “is that all.” Mind you I had an older son who made sure I knew every counselor and Principal on first name basis.

I said, “Ok, what happened?”

He proceeded to tell me he and a friend were pushing each other while standing in line at school (in fun). The teacher got upset and made them sit out during recess. “What did you learn from this experience?” I asked him.   With bottom lip quivering he said, “I should have just gone to the back of the line, it was not worth getting in trouble for.” I told him I loved him very much and we talked about what decision he should make the next time this situation arrives. I shared that God (or Mom or Dad) does not expect him to be perfect, but to learn from his mistakes. When we mess up we need to ask our self, what should I have done and what can I do different.

I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him, while secretly thanking God this did not involve a counselor or Principal. J

My son gathered up his stuff and ran outside to shoot hoops and I was left standing there wondering if I take my own advice?

Thank you Lord for reminding me through my son that you don’t expect perfection, just growth.