Asking for forgiveness is tricky. We may know it’s the right thing to do, but it can stir up guilt, pride, and sometimes even shame.  And honestly, it’s something I struggle with doing.

Just yesterday, I was deep in the trenches of one of those hard mom days. My son was acting out, and in the chaos, his sister got hurt. I was frustrated and tired and didn’t handle it with as much grace as I wish I had.

Later that night, at bedtime, I decided to use the moment to teach him about repentance. I said, “Buddy, I think it’s important that we talk to God and ask Him to forgive you for the way you treated your sister. That wasn’t right.” I didn’t want him to feel alone in that moment so I said, “Honestly, Mommy probably needs to pray and ask God to forgive her for the anger I showed. That wasn’t the right response either.”

I offered to go first so I could show him what it would sound like.

We folded our hands, closed our eyes, and I began: “God, please forgive me for…”
And right in the middle of that prayer, my son jumped up and ran out of the room.

I was mad. I called after him—frustrated and confused. But as I sat there, stewing, something clicked: That’s me. That’s my heart so often when I’m face-to-face with my own need for forgiveness. I avoid. I run. I get uncomfortable.

And the truth? I might not have even prayed that prayer myself if it hadn’t been part of a parenting lesson.

That moment reminded me of something so important: God doesn’t need perfect prayers—He just wants our honest hearts. And He doesn’t wait with a lecture; He waits with love.

A Few Things I’m Learning About Forgiveness (That You Might Need to Hear Too)

1. Repentance doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need the perfect words. Just start the conversation.
2. It’s important to admit when we’re wrong. In fact, it's a powerful thing to model—especially for our kids. Even the small stuff can make us feel more distant from God over time.
3. God is not mad at you. He’s a loving Father waiting for you to come close, not run away.
4. Forgiveness is freedom, not punishment. It doesn’t weigh you down—it lifts you up and reconnects you to heart of God.

So maybe you’ve had a rough day. Maybe you raised your voice, said something you regret, or acted out of stress instead of love. Friend, don’t run from God like my son ran from that prayer. Run to Him. He’s already waiting.

And hey—if you mess it up again tomorrow (because, let’s be honest, we all might)—His grace will still be there.