I hope you enjoy Barbara’s story today about an interaction with her grandson. It is a great example of repairing when we hurt someone’s feelings and returning to joy together. I especially appreciate this story as my sons are also growing and maturing and becoming more capable than in the past. I frequently find myself stepping on their toes forgetting they don’t need my help like they did when they were younger which creates good opportunities for repair.
Barbara Moon is a mother of 4, grandmother to 11, and great grandmother to 6. Family is very important to her and she loves sharing relational skills, especially with some of the grandchildren. Barbara is an author, speaker, and small group leader in the Atlanta area.
Each Spring since my grandson was about ten years old, we have planted a “box garden” with tomatoes in it in his backyard. The Spring when he was fourteen, we shopped for the dirt and plants and began to clean out the old box. As we were working, without realizing it, I had taken over the project not realizing that he had grown up and was perfectly capable of doing it without me.
I noticed that he had gone back into the house, so after a few minutes I went inside, also. I found him in tears talking to his mom. I quickly realized that I had hurt him. He was not comfortable telling me, so he went inside the house.
I felt very sad that I had hurt him and wanted to return to joy. So, I asked his forgiveness for taking over and affirmed his ability to do the project well without help. I was glad he could garden alone from now on if desired. He had learned how. He smiled and we hugged. We then finished the project and reminded each other that we had a long wait for the tomatoes and beans to grow.
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Learn more about the skill of Return to Joy: www.thrivetoday.org/skill11
I love all of Barbara’s stories!