I'm Sorry

Last Friday night, our family went to Sonic for ice cream, to celebrate the completion of the first week of school. If you have ever been to Sonic, you know that they do not have an indoor dining area. This is your typical drive-in restaurant. You place your order at a screen and then their employees bring the order out to your car. 

We were there with my brother, and his family, and did not want to sit in our cars. We decided to park and stand talking in the parking lot. My boys don't often sit still, so they decided to throw a Frisbee in an open area of the parking lot. Well, we thought it was an open area. My youngest son, Isaac, is still learning how to throw and launched a toss that struck another vehicle. Fortunately, it did not do any damage. However, we did not want to have any hard feelings with the people inside the car. We encouraged Isaac to go and apologize to the driver. Without hesitation, my 6 year old walked over and politely said he was sorry to someone he had never met. This was big!

In the moment, this situation could have gone a few different directions for Isaac. He could have easily refused to do it. He could have put me in an awkward situation of covering for his mistake. Fortunately, in our home, we have cultivated the importance of an apology. Isaac did the right thing. He said he was sorry. He admitted he was wrong.

Every time our children say they are sorry, it's a win. The older they get, the more important apologies become. Our children need to learn the importance of admitting faults, even at an early age. The more apologetic they become, the more aware they become of the wrong they are doing.

In the same way, when we sin against God, it is up to us to make things right. God doesn't pursue our apology. No, it's the opposite, when we sin, He is pushed away and we no longer enjoy His manifest presence. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgiven our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". 

That night, what seemed like a minor incident, turned out to be a major victory in the maturity of a young boy. Learning to say I'm sorry as a child will lead to a life of living in proper relationship with others.

The Peace of God

In a day when it seems all of our surroundings are unraveling, we all long for stability and assurance that everything will be okay. This year will go down as the most unusual with circumstances that have been beyond our control. This was the year of 2020 vision for many. We were all excited to see what this year would hold and to lean into all that was before us. Then March introduced us to Covid.

Three months into this year, we found ourselves quarantined and dealing with an international pandemic caused by a virus that had the capability to leave a person asymptomatic and eventually in the hospital on a ventilator. Then, we as a nation, dealt with protesting and rioting. People were in uproar because of social injustice and racial tension. Now, there are far left wing radicals who are trying to establish a city and government independent of what is already established to rule our country. All of this has caused much panic and fear.

Jesus said as recorded in John 16:36, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

These are powerful words of peace! Jesus says that in Him we have perfect peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He brings the peace that passes all understanding.

The peace of God, which is the word shalom in Hebrew, and eirenen in the Greek, refers to the peace that only comes from Jesus Christ. This peace provides inner satisfaction, contentment and fulfillment. It is a state of being as well as an attitude or mindset. When we receive the peace of Christ, there is no circumstance that will shake us. We realize that no matter how stiff the winds of life may be, Jesus is able to calm the storm.

The house that I live in is located next to a forest of trees. During a windstorm, I often look out my windows to watch the trees. There are trees, that because of the wind, will look like they are about to collapse. The wind will blow them back and forth as if they are pool noodles, on the verge of falling down. Then, I see others, who even despite a powerful wind, are not affected at all. The difference in trees is the root system. The trees with strong roots are able to withstand the onslaught of harsh winds that come against them.

This is a picture of what Jesus does, imparting His peace to His children, in the midst of difficult circumstances. His peace is an anchor for our souls. It solidifies us even when our world seems to be crashing down. He calms the storm.

Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Receive His peace today.