Become as little children

We recently got 24 baby chicks.  Miraculously they have all survived and it's been just about a week.  Bo and Katy love to stay out by the coop to look at them.  I've started letting them hold them a little bit now that they are a little bigger.  Today I came home from scouts to the report of these two little ones having been throwing the chicks off the tramp.  First I was furious.  Then I was sad and disappointed.  I could tell by their reaction that they were now feeling the weight of their decisions.  Everyone was mad and upset.  The tears came easily.  First I chastised them for being irresponsible.  Then I gave them the "I'm so disappointed in you" speech.  " I thought you loved those baby chicks", I said.  They were both very sad.  I sent them to the shower and went to check the damage.  All the chicks seemed to be ok, we'll have to see tomorrow.  When I went back in, I didn't find two kids soapy and wet, I found them crying in their beds.  I went in to finish the process.

 I asked them to pray with me.  We thanked Heavenly Father for these two sweet kids being in our family and how good they both are and  for the blessing of having baby chicks.  We asked him to forgive for the bad choices that were made earlier and that we can feel happiness in our hearts again.  We promised to take better care of them from now on and asked Him to help them to be ok through the night.  We thanked Him for our Savior and for the ability to be forgiven.  The whole time, sounds of sniffles and quiet sobs could be heard.  We then had a big hug and a talk about forgiveness.  About Heavenly Father forgiving us because he can see in our hearts and know how sorry we were and how Mommy forgives them because I love them and know they are good kids.  Then we talked about forgiving ourselves.  Sometimes that's the hardest part.

My true prayer is that this is one of those experiences that when they are grown, they will look back and remember what it felt like to feel sad, ask for forgiveness and then feel love.  Even if we lose a baby chick or two, the lesson these little ones learned tonight was valuable.

Bo had a hard time being done with it.  Even after his shower, he just sat on the floor and cried "I ruined everything!"  We got him through it and I think he's out playing Wii now.  I'm so glad to know about repentance and for my Savior who made it possible for me to be forgiven of my bad choices.  I'm so glad for these little angles who give me teaching/ learning experiences so regularly.