for her good

I've been thinking a lot about the Color-Pie incident.

I was writing about it in my journal the other day. Ana was crushed. And I was so sad for her. Then I started thinking about my reaction to the whole experience.

I could have prevented it from ever happening by putting it up high on a shelf or stopping her from playing with it. But I didn't.

I could have brushed it off and told her it wasn't a big deal and that she'd forget about it soon enough. But I didn't.

I could have gotten upset with her for playing with it after I warned her not to. But I didn't.

I could have said, "I told you so." But I didn't.

I hugged her. I let her cry. And I was sad for her.

I was also hopeful that this experience would teach her some things. Like how to be careful with her things. And that Mom has a good reason for telling her not to touch things. And that its okay to be sad and disappointed when sad things happen.

I love that I have a Heavenly Father who does the same for me. He doesn't always prevent bad or disappointing things from happening. He doesn't brush it off and tell us that in the great scheme of things it's no big deal. He doesn't get upset with us. He doesn't say, "I told you so."

He loves us. He comforts us. He understands. And He is hopeful that we will learn a few things in the process.

"My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all they foes. ... Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

Doctrine and Covenants 121: 7-8; 122: 7

I love what being a mother is teaching me about my Heavenly Father.