"But I'm trying...."

Tonight Cael got a nasty bump on his eyebrow and had quite the cry about it.  In my efforts to console him, I reminded him that I knew just how it felt.  "Remember the story I told you about when I got hurt there and had to get stitches." (my older brother Andrew threw a tin can at my head and it sliced open my brow.  He also pushed me off the bathroom counter causing my chin to split open...more stitches...but that's another story).

Apparently the mention of this story caused Isaac some serious concern.  He followed me with haste as I exited the room.

With a great look of hurt Isaac asked, "Mom.  Why was Uncle Andrew so mean to you?"

To which I replied, "Well...why are you mean to your brothers sometimes?"

As I go on to explain that siblings just get frustrated with each and hurt each other, etc, Isaac interrupts to answer my previous question.

"But, I'm not."  (frowning)  "I'm trying to do what is right.  I'm trying to be like Jesus."

His husky little voice was pleading for me to understand.

I was such a proud mama at that moment. 

Yes...he IS trying.  He's been praying for help every night to do just those things.

And so I reassured him...

"You are right.  You are trying hard, aren't you?"

and then taught him a small lesson about repentance and forgiveness...

"And I think Uncle Andrew was trying too.  Sometimes, even when we are trying, we still mess up.  Then we need to say we are sorry and try to do better."

He looked mighty relieved.  "Okay!" he says.

And off he went.

What a truly sweet (even if he is my most naughty) boy.