A while ago...

A while ago ( I don't remember exactly, but I think about a month) the kids and I were in the car.  Jaxon turns on my ipod and puts on the song "Apologize" by OneRepublic.  He got a huge smile on his face as the music started (this has been one of his "favorite" songs for like 2 years).   He is jammin' out and singing, but after the first verse, halfway through the chorus, he got really quiet.  I didn't think much of it.  But. then, after the second verse and chorus he pipes up...

"Mom, what does he mean it's too late to apologize?  If someone says they are sorry, you should forgive them.  That's what Jesus would do.  We are supposed to forgive people.  I want people to forgive me.  I would be sad if someone wouldn't forgive me."

He is just going on and on.  Getting all heart felt and sad himself that the mean guy singing the song wasn't forgiving that other person.  

It was really hard not to laugh.  Kids are just so innocent.

I tried my best to explain that what he meant was probably that whoever hurt him had gone too far.  That he had been hurt too much to be able to forgive them. 

This got me no where.  He tells me...

"Well, I still think that he should forgive them.  It's what Jesus would want him to do."

So, there you go Mr. lead singer/songwriter of OneRepublic, Jesus would want you to forgive them.  Let them apologize and move on with life.   Nothing like advice from a 7 year old!! I wish everyone thought like a 7 year old in some ways!

Warning: reflective & mushy!

The number (and varying degree) of emotions that run through me in single day are unbelievable! This week seems to be more emotionally charged than others. Like I am on an emotional roller coaster all day & night.

These are just some of the feelings that come to mind.

Happiness, anger, fear, wonderment, love, frustration, peace, unease, joy, curiosity, tired, crazy, giddy, worn, full, drained, beautiful, old, excited, silly, sad, lucky, blessed, calm, worried, optomistic, sarcastic, torn, admiration, mean, nice, scared, bold, brave, and that's just to name some!

I am amazed that one person could feel all of these different things in one day.

Absolutely amazed!!!

I was really starting to get tired of the ups and downs this week. Until the thought occured to me that without the downs, how do you recognize the ups? Do ups even exsist without downs?

And, I found my resolve.

This is what I know.

I know...to have JOY, there must be despair.

To feel courage, you must be afraid.

To appreciate health, you must suffer illness.

To harbor hate, you must feel the passion & intensity of love!!

To know peace, you must know turmoil or war.

To truly believe, you must face doubt.

Everything must have it's opposite, opposition in all things.

I pray that I may continue to experience all of the emotions God intended me to.

And embrace it, even when I want to run away!!!

Right now, I am Happy!

I love to be happy!

That is an emotion I would like to share!

Everyday.

what do you feel?