New Year, But Still Teaching

I had another chance to teach the boys a lesson that I have taught before. They are like me, and sometimes require repeated instruction before it takes hold. This lesson had to do with how to accept an apology.

Now, with three sons there is always someone apologizing to someone for a wrong that has been committed. Most times, these are trivial things. That are little boys after all. However, I have noticed that when one of them apologizes the other inevitably says "It's OK". It is?

I explained to the boys that when someone wrongs you and apologizes, you have to find it in your heart to accept their apology (if it is heart-felt and true). However, you do not have to dismiss their actions as acceptable. It's not OK. What they did was wrong. You can forgive that person without saying it was no big deal. Heck, you can forgive the person totals your car in an accident, but you still want the money your due.

We all need to understand that forgiveness is not the same as accepting the behavior. I don't think you should let the person off the hook by discounting their actions. They will never grow from that. Forgive them and you may both grow from the situation.