Both my girls had to write essays for a camp scholarship this summer. They were required to submit a true life experience that taught them something positive about forgiveness. I though I'd share their essays with you.
For the record, I am very proud of them. :-)
REBECCA (12)
Forgiveness is hard, but God calls us all to
forgive. This is my story about my experience forgiving.
One
day my sister Christina and I were doing our school work. We are both
homeschooled and still had a lot to do. When I went downstairs to sharpen my
pencil, she was using one of my favorite pencils. I asked her nicely to give it
back, but she said no. I got really mad at her. Then she got really annoyed and
mad at me because I kept on asking her to give it back, so we started to chase
each other around the house.
When
I finally gave up, I had realized we were both behind in school work and had hurt
each other by our actions. I knew I needed to calm down, say a few prayers, and
tell her I was sorry. That is what I did. I went to my room, got my prayer
book, sat by my crucifix, and said a few prayers for myself. I asked God to
help Christina forgive me.
When
I was done I knew that I had forgiven her, but I thought that I should go tell
her. I went downstairs and walked to the study where she was working in. Thankfully
the door was closed. I was so nervous. “What if she doesn’t accept my
forgiveness and my sorry?” I asked myself. I said a few Hail Marys, and walked
in.
I
went up to Christina who was working at the desk and said, “Christina, I am
really sorry for demanding that pencil back. I was really selfish and it was my
fault. I hope you will forgive me.” Then she said, “I am really sorry too, and
I forgive you.”
When she said that, I felt like the burden of the sin had been lifted
off my shoulders; that I was free and very happy. I could get on with my day
without anything or anyone holding me back because of my actions. Looking back,
I think forgiveness gives you a second chance, to just remember that forgiveness
is hard, but great things come from it.
One
time I stole my sister’s crochet hook to use for my rainbow loom. Mine broke
when I was making a cupcake charm. I got very mad and I hoped it could be
replaced. But my mom said we couldn’t order a new hook. So I took my older
sister’s hook. When she found out that I used it without her permission, she
told on me and I got very mad. I also got grounded from my rainbow loom for 2
whole weeks! But then I calmed myself down and said a sincere apology to my
sister. She said,
“It’s ok Christina,”
and
she forgave me. I felt better because, I knew in my heart Jesus was happy and He
forgave me too. I learned that whenever you do something that makes someone mad
they will always forgive you when you apologize.
If only we could all forgive each other simply and easily, like children do.
