Summer days ... not nearly long enough. I feel fall quickly approaching. School supplies, back to school sales and yes, even Halloween! Now, I truly love fall. It's probably my favorite time of year. It's fresh, it's new and just emotes the feeling of family and time spent together.

But ... I am not ready. I love the kiddos home, carefree, kids being kids. Which usually means slamming doors as they run in and out, finger prints, silliness, laughter. They play endlessly. The pressures of their worlds (school, peers and activities) seems to be miles away.

Bub is growing up to be a fine young man. Caring, generous, others-centered.  He has had experiences that have made him grow and thrive. Yet, summer gives him the chance to also just be a kid. It's beautiful to see. He is caught somewhere between a boy and a man. Loving to play and be a goof ball. Loving to be engaged in conversation. I am loving every moment ...

"Father, won't you forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing ..."
Jesus said do not to forgive 7 times, but 70 x7 times ...
We are so quick to judge and so quick to hold a grudge. The Lord has forgiven us, forgiven me countless times.
We all make mistakes and in the eyes of the Lord, a sin is a sin.
Yet for those who make bad choices, not only do they have their own conscience and consequences, there are also those that condemn. Those who have been wronged. Instead of mercy, there is condemnation. I know I have been guilty ... and I know that my heart also goes out to the hurting, those who have made bad choices and those who have been the victim of such choices. It's hard to forgive when you have been wronged. I have wronged and I have been wronged.

Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness.