Mercy

Jackson can be very strong-willed. He also knows how to push people's buttons. Last night was one of those nights for him. After we got home from church, he decided to refuse to get out of the van. He climbed in the back corner and began to buckle himself up. I was trying to get Luke out and get them all in the house and ready for bed. Jackson knew this and was very aware that Daddy was not home to help with the battle. He decided to dig his heels in and refuse to obey. I was in no mood to deal with it so I told him if he didn't get out and carry his book in I would throw it in the trash. Now, this book is his favorite book. It is a free book that is on display at Home Depot that depicts all of their tractors, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc. He loves this book! As you can probably guess, he refused to do as I asked so I marched in the house and threw it in the trash after pleading with him to do as I had asked. He wouldn't.

Shortly after walking in the door, a man from church called to ask a question. When I got off the phone, I knew Jackson had quit the fit. I walked in his room and he had the book looking at it in awe of its greatness. I asked him if he had gotten that out. He stalled and Todd chimed in, "I got it out." I took it back and told Jackson that he had not obeyed. I went on to explain to Todd that he had disobeyed after numerous chances. The book would have to be thrown away. As I walked into the kitchen, Todd followed. With a shaky voice he began to plead Jackson's case. The following is our conversation:
T: "But it is his favorite book"
M: "I know it is but he has to learn to obey."
T: "Can't you give him one more chance?"
M: "I gave him 4 chances and he didn't do it. He is out of chances."
T: "I know he has to learn his lesson, but can't you teach him with something else?"
M: "Why. He heard what I told him."
T: "He will miss that book so much. I don't think I stand to see him be so sad."

Then, I looked up and Todd's face was so pure and loving. He was almost crying over this. It was then that I realized he was so full of mercy.

Isn't that the way our Father is. He ask us to obey and we look right at him and stomp our feet and refuse. We think we know better. Yet, he is forgiving and gracious.

Romans 9:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”^[a]

¹⁶ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ¹⁷ For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”^[b]

^{So, in the end, I agreed to allow him to earn it back by obeying and going to bed the correct way. He did that so he know has the book back today. Todd is relieved and has no idea that he made me reanalyze my father's mercy!}