Building a relationship, building a community, building a family, takes a lot of bumbling work. That work is full of missteps which necessitates confession, forgiveness, growth, mercy, and loads of communication.

I was so short with them over, what ended up to be, my mistake. There were several things in that failure to own up to. Being a parent means I set the stage for the inevitable and constant slips in my home. I continue to strengthen my ability to apologize since I continue to make mess up.

“I am so sorry. Would you please forgive me?” Every single honest word is important. This humbling work is vital to constructing a safe home where everyone can try, adjust, and grow – a home where we are all learning.

I was wrong.