Seeds of Grace in a Broken Garden
The other afternoon, my daughter ran into the house with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I’m so sorry, Mama. I broke your garden art. I knocked it off the shelf with the garbage can.”
My heart sank. I loved that piece. I had envisioned a whole garden scene around it. It wasn’t cheap, and it was irreplaceable.
But in that moment, I had a choice.
I could make her feel the weight of what was lost…
Or I could show her what it looks like to be found in grace.
So I set aside my disappointment and held her.
“I’m not mad. I know you didn’t do it on purpose. I forgive you. This is what Jesus does for us, too.”
She looked up at me, still crying:
“But I broke it. I know you can’t replace it.”
I kissed her forehead and whispered Psalm 103:12:
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
“You’re forgiven, baby. You can let it go now.”
And just like that, her tears gave way to a smile.
The garden art didn’t matter anymore. But the seeds of grace? They were planted deep.
Seeds of grace in a broken garden.
The Bigger Lesson
As mothers, we have countless opportunities to teach through moments just like this – moments where the fragile pieces of life break and our response can either heap shame or pour out grace.
It reminded me how easy it is to hold on to broken things. To replay mistakes, regrets, and failures like a broken record in our minds. But God’s grace is not only enough…it’s abundant. When He forgives, He doesn’t place our sins on a shelf to be remembered later. He removes them as far as the east is from the west.
And that’s what I want my daughter to understand. That she can run into the arms of her Savior, tears and all, and find forgiveness waiting. That His love is bigger than her mistakes. That nothing she breaks,whether a garden statue or a fragile piece of her own heart—will ever be beyond His restoration.
Reflection for Us
Maybe today you’re carrying something broken. Something you feel can’t be replaced. Can I remind you, friend? You are forgiven. You don’t have to hold on to the weight anymore. Jesus has already carried it for you.
So let’s model grace for our daughters and live in it ourselves. Because the most beautiful garden we can grow is one where seeds of grace take root.
Reflection Question:
Is there something broken you’ve been holding onto that Jesus wants you to release into His grace today?
