A year ago, I arrived from Maui, Hawaii for Haggai advanced leadership training. The next day, I treated my family at SM Pines. I also bought Chicco shoes for my eldest son, Johnne; he kept it by his side. After our hearty dinner in Pizza Hut, we bought groceries and heading home.
When we arrived home, we noticed something. The new shoes were gone!
“Johnne, where are your shoes?” my wife asked.
He immediately replied pointing to his old pair of shoes, “There!”
“No, the new one” she responded.
Johnne realized his mistake; he broke down crying, “Mommy!!! Daddy!!! Sorry!”
I stood in front looking of him. If I was a boy on his shoes, I could have been whipped as strict discipline. And yet because of mercy, I withheld any form of rush punishment on him. My wife and I forgave him and hoped that someone with kids of their own picked the new shoes—and use them.
Then in the morning, I brought Johnne to the same mall. When he saw shoes on the rack, he did not insist anymore of having one.
“My son, do you still want to have that pair of shoes?”
He said shyly, “yes,” I purchased the same shoes he liked. Even though he did not deserved it anymore I paid and gave it anyways. Along the way home, he whispered, “thank you, daddy.”
I looked straight on his sheepish face, “I love you, baby.” I embraced him tenderly for he taught me what grace is.
I’m thankful to our Father above too; he did the same to me—giving more favor than I deserved. I don’t even know where I would be if not for His…amazing grace.
When was the last time you were gracious to someone?
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