Forgiving as a Little Child

When I would read scriptures that referred to becoming like a little child, it understood what they were saying, but they took on a whole new meaning as a parent.

Before becoming a mom, I had plans of being the mom who didn’t ever raise her voice and always had a level head when her children were acting out. I think those are probably the ideals that most of us get when we dream of what our future with children will be like.

Unfortunately, those ideals aren’t always a reality. Once I became a mom to a little girl who had opinions of her own, I realized that I am only human and can’t always be the ideal mom that I hoped of being. I make a lot of mistakes as a mom.

I can be short tempered. I get distracted by my phone. I don’t always listen as well as I should. The list could literally go on and on when it comes to my flaws as a mother. But I had a recent realization that there is good that can come from my flaws as a parent. If I was always the perfect mom, I wouldn’t be able to be taught how to be “as a little child” from my daughter.

No matter how heated of a debate we can have, how distracted I can get, or how long of a time out, my daughter always forgives me. She doesn’t give me certain conditions in order to forgive me. She just forgives.

As adults, we need to use the examples of children and be willing to forgive others. With Easter just around the corner, I can’t help but think of Christ forgiving the people who were crucifying him. We need to use the examples of our children and of the Savior to soften our hearts and be more willing to forgive.

In Luke 6:37, it states “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” It can be such a heavy burden to carry around a grudge. By forgiving others, that weight can be lifted off and we can more fully feel God’s love for us and for the person we are forgiving.

We need to remember that we are all children of God and that we are also all human. We are all going to make mistakes and each day is going to be full of opportunities to forgive others and forgive ourselves. It is part of this mortal journey that we get to call, life!

So as we get closer to Easter this year, I challenge you to be more forgiving. Forgive as a little child. Forgive as Christ forgave. I encourage you to look at the incredible #PrinceofPeace campaign this Easter. It encourages you to study and implement one Christlike principle a day, April 9-April 16. I can’t wait to participate this year so that I can feel closer to Christ and really be able to feel the true spirit of Easter. You can find all of the daily prompts by visiting mormon.org.

You can also get more inspiration to participate in the #PrinceofPeace initiative by printing off these neat activities and reading these other inspirational stories.

Prince of Peace Easter Activity Booklet for Kids

Prince of Peace Printable Decor

Prince of Peace Printable Activities

Principles of Peace Easter Journal