Lessons on forgiveness from a 5 yr old

First, let me introduce you to Lee Margaret. She is the sweetest, cutest, 5-yr-old I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She loves to laugh, run, and always has a smile on her face!

One night during devotions, she told us the story of Jesus on the cross. "Jesus came to save people from their sins. But bad men hurt him, oh yes, they hit him with sticks and were very mean. But He still loved them and died on the cross for them. He didn't stay dead though, because angels came and now He is alive in heaven!"

We were all left in tears. "That's right, Lee Margaret", one of the counselors said, and in our hearts resounded one amen.

The Story of Forgiveness

It was the night of Council Ring, where all the girls gather in their tribes around the fire, eager for the new "pale-face" campers to be initiated into a tribe.

I was also to be inititated as part of Central Staff, an extremely gross but fun experience. They blindfolded me and drenched me in maple syrup, baby powder, mayo, birdseed - and much more!

Once they took off my blindfold, I was eager to get someone messy. So i chased one of the other Central Staff around the fire and jumped on her to hug her! In the chaos, she fell right into one of the tribes, right on top of Lee Margaret.

Imagine. Tons of girls screaming, excitement, and all of a sudden, everyone is falling on top of you. In her fear, and pain from hitting her head on the bench, she started crying immediately. Her mom rushed in, scooped her up, and started carrying her back to camp.

I felt awful. I ran to catch up with her, eager to apologize and make things right. Those little eyes met mine, and a big smile came upon her face. "I forgive you. It's ok Ewen, I love you." Full and complete forgiveness from a pair of innocent brown eyes.

She opened her arms to give me a hug. "But Lee Margaret", I said, "I am really messy and dirty. You don't want to hug me now."

"I don't care", she said, and gave me the biggest hug ever. "Lee Margaret", I said with tears welling up in my eyes, "I have a secret for you. I'm going to let you sleep with my stuffed animal, Ella the Elephant, tonight!"

She squealed with utter delight. And with another hug, we walked hand in hand, back to camp, best of friends.

I could tell you theoretically what forgiveness looks like. I can give you all the Bible verses pertaining to forgiveness. But Lee Margaret gave me so much more - she lived it.

She has never once brought up that day again. I'm convinced it's because she has completely forgotten about it. True forgiveness does that.

God gives the increase..

Another ministry. Another adventure. Sitting outside on the porch at Hollymont wondering, "God, what now?"

"Open your heart again, let my love pour from your soul." Deep breath. I can do this. Wait, no. He can do this.

"Who is Paul, and who is Apollos but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one" (1 Cor 3). Who am I?

Paul planted. Apollos watered. But GOD gave the increase. (vs 7) Faith and trust come from God, not men. So often I think that response happens because of what I say, because of what I do. How foolish and vain I can so easily become!

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters".. why? Because all glory is to God "who gives the increase"!

So we plant with joy, and water in faith. He calls us to serve, to work mightily in order that we may "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col 1).

We are fellow laborers in Christ, sought by grace, bought with blood. We give because we cannot hold back; we tell because we cannot be silent.  

Each to his post, there is much to be done. How shall I measure up to the soldiers by my side? Then I remember... we are all just clay pots. "We have this treasure in eathern vessels, so that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Cor 4:7).  There is no competition.

"Now he who plants and he who waters are one.." One purpose. One goal. The supremacy of Christ in all things, so that all majesty will be ascribed to the One who is worthy of all.

Back to my post, there is much to be done.