That’s what you get!

Have you ever played the blame game? You know the one where someone else is at fault and you don’t have any responsibility. It makes you feel better for the moment but soon you realize it is not fully the person’s fault. You have some part in it. The other day I was at Aldi and observed a Mom with her young son. Honestly, I was very frustrated with her. But, then the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “Haven’t you done the same thing?” Here is the story…

After loading the groceries in the van, I rushed my Aldi cart back so we could move on to the next store. In that time, I heard screaming from a little boy. I looked up to see him caught in the exit door. His Mom came flying over. Instead of offering sympathy, she yelled at her son. “That’s what you get for running ahead! I told you to stay with me!” She grabbed him by the arm, picked out a cart and headed in. His Mom didn’t comfort him or ask if he was okay. Her immediate reaction was blame and anger. I wanted to give that Mom a piece of my mind. How could she do that to her son? He was hurt. He didn’t need to be yelled at but comforted instead.

At that moment the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart and said: “Haven’t you reacted in the same way before?” Guilty! I have lashed out in anger and frustration at moments when my kids did something they shouldn’t have. I have played the blame game because sometimes it is just easier to blame my kids instead of taking responsibility. After reflecting on this, I prayed for the Mom and asked God to flood her with peace and patience. I also prayed that in that type of situation with my kids, I would respond in a loving way and deal with the correction later.

As I walked back to my van, the Holy Spirit whispered once again to my heart and said: “Aren’t you glad you don’t get what you deserve?” I am so thankful God doesn’t point fingers and say “That’s what you get!” I fail time and time again but God lovingly picks me back up and forgives me.

Friends, God does the same for you. He doesn’t give you what you deserve. In Psalms 103:12, we read “As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Jesus died on the cross and took all the penalty we deserve. God is always there to lovingly pick you back up when you fail. Will you extend that same love and grace to your children? To your co-workers? To your spouse? Let’s stop playing the blame game and start loving as Jesus does. I know I have a long way to go. Joining you in the journey…