Matthew 18:32-33
His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?'
A couple of years ago my life imitated this story from scripture. Big time. My boys and I were living with my parents. One night at dinner time, I found Graham sitting in my parents' shower with poker chips spread out around him. Liam was nearby. I told them they shouldn't be in there, pick up the chips and come to dinner. Then I walked away. Mistake.
A few minutes later I heard, "mama!" and went looking to see what was the matter. Both boys were now in the shower with the glass doors slid shut - and stuck. I got my dad who, as patient as he is, was starting to get angry as he fiddle with the doors. He was asking the boys why they were in the shower in the first place (my fault), and as I muttered, "Can I help...?" *Shatter!!*
I heard the little one start wailing and then he got handed to me around the door. Next came the older one, handed off. I saw blood on the ground and hoped it hadn't come from either of them. By now both kids were crying. I started crying. Everyone was crying! There was glass everywhere.
I was so angry at those boys. No dessert. No Curious George. Eat dinner and get in bed. At dinner Liam apologized to my dad for breaking the door. When it came time for tucking in, I was stern and cold to them, but tried to make sure the night ended on a loving note.
Meanwhile in Adult Land, I was still crying, telling my dad I was so sorry. He said not to worry about it. It's okay. He was frustrated, but he didn't lose his temper with me.
I couldn't help but think about this story of the Unmerciful Servant. I was the middle-man debtor in this story-turned-real-life. My dad forgave me before I even asked yet I was so angry that I couldn't properly tuck my kids into bed. Looking back, I am grateful that I had that example of patience and forgiveness and even though I didn't show to my own children that day I pray I will in the future.
