The Value of Restoring a Break

Sometimes when grandkids get together they’re rowdy. Our grandson Anthony is 6. When he gets with his sister who is 10 he can be rambunctious. Racing, pillow fights or arguing. None of these go well with a new vase I got at Pier I last week, mosaic silver with long green grasses, perfect for my redecorated living room.

After a pillow fight I heard a crash… you guessed it. The vase got knocked over and broken at the top. After a few firm words to Anthony and his sister, they got sent outside. He said,” well, I wasn’t throwing the pillow at the vase, I was aiming for her.”

Take every opportunity to teach the young ones and prepare them for real life and the responsibility it requires. How should I proceed? I told them they were both responsible. She’s older than him and knew better than being involved in a pillow fight with fragile items near. I told them they were paying for the damages. I gave them chores to earn dollars. They started picking up sticks in the yard.  He said I’m sorry.  I told Anthony  when you apologize look someone in the eye and be sincere. I forgave him and we were friends again. He suggested superglue to fix the vase. “Grandpa can fix anything.” 

I thought, there is more than fixing a vase here. There are lessons in life about fixing relationships. There is a glue that will hold your vase together, but what is your glue that mends broken relationships? A great life lesson for sure for the kids and anyone. Here’s some ideas:

REVELATION: Realize there is damage, something needs repaired, like Anthony did. What can you do to change or fix a broken relationship? Pray about what to do. Ask God to bless the other person’s life and you will be blessed indeed and gain wisdom.  Anthony had a revelation about the glue.

RESPONSIBILITY: Take ownership of your share in the situation. Be intentional, reach out, call, text or write a letter. No matter whose fault it is, there is freedom in forgiveness for all involved. Some may not deserve forgiveness but you don’t deserve to live under the ball and chain of unforgiveness. Take the first step and put your key in that padlock. Okay, now turn the key (it may take a few efforts but it will unlock), watch it open and the chains of unforgiveness will be removed. Ahhh…Freedom. Anthony took responsibility for the vase and apologized.

RESTORATION: It will be worth the time and effort when you see that you are not living under the weight of guilt, shame or unforgiveness. Not only is the broken relationship mended but you are restored. The vase was an accident, how could I ever stay mad at Anthony? I forgave him and our relationship was restored.

I hope we fixed more than a broken vase as Anthony and his sister learned about responsibility, accidents and patching up a break in relationships or vases. Now onto our next great adventure!

Love, Debbie