Can We Start Over?

This past weekend I was at a youth conference in Denver called "Steubenville of the Rockies". What a great time we had listening to great music, wonderful speakers and powerful liturgies. The host, Chris Padgett, told a great story about one of his children that I would like t share with you here.

This is the way the drama played out between Chris (the Dad) and his 4-yr old:

Chris: Son, you had better finish your dinner.
4-yr old: No response - just lots of fiddling around

5-minutes later:
Chris: Son, You NEED to finish what's on your plate. You haven't even touched it and the rest of us are done!
4-yr old: More fiddling around

5-minutes later:
Chris: Son, I mean it! Your mother put a lot of time and effort into preparing this meal, you had better have your plate completely cleaned off in two minutes!
4-yr old: Spinning in chair, fiddling around.

2-minutes later:
Chris: That's it! You are going to bed right now. You will not be joining the family in prayer time and you will not get dessert. March yourself upstairs to your room right now!
4-yr old: Crying and screaming and going to bed

A few minutes later:
4-yr old (through tears): Daddy, daddy...
Chris: WHAT!!!!!
4-yr old: Daddy, can we start over?
Chris (through tears): Yes son, we can.

What a great illustration this is of our relationship with God. It doesn't matter how many times we goof up, we can always "start over" in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If it's been a while since you have taken advantage of this sacrament of love and healing, please do so. All you have to is ask God "Can we start over?". God's response will be "Yes, my beloved child, we can".