If They Weren’t The Cleavers - You’re Not Exactly June Either

If They Weren’t the Cleavers - You’re Not Exactly June Either

It’s not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding. —Erma Bombeck

PEOPLE WHO LIVE in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Translation: if you’re a mom, there’s a good chance you’re messing up too.

My point: ain’t none of us perfect.

My heart breaks for you girlfriends who came from extremely abusive or neglectful homes; I can’t tell you how to overcome the hurt and anger caused by those who robbed you of a safe childhood. I cannot imagine because I was not a child of abuse or neglect. Even though my mom was emotionally crippled, I was deeply loved and cared for. But I can relate to those who feel that their parents were missing some important pages from their parenting instruction manual!

I laugh at myself while writing this and think about my own grown children and wonder what damage I have done to their psyches over the years. Shoot! My kids might wonder how I could have missed entire chapters in my guidebook! Since we all know how hard it is to be a good parent (perfect parents do not exist), maybe—for all our sakes—we should consider letting go of the past. And because we’re not June either, maybe we should ask our children to forgive us for the parenting mistakes we have made.

Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. (Matthew 6:12)

If you are not a mom, looking beyond your own mother’s failings may be even more difficult. Forgiving your parents doesn’t mean you accept or excuse their poor behavior—it just means that you no longer wish to be a victim or to hold the hurt in your heart. You have to let go and forgive . . . sometimes over and over and over.