So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them. – Luke 17:3-4
About a year ago, I saw a post on Facebook that one of our church members had been reading a book called “The No Complaining Rule” by Jon Gordon. It intrigued me, and I decided to read it and find out how I could help my staff with daily problems. The book talks about how mindlessly complaining to other random people and being angry and frustrated without going to a source that can actually help you is not a way to fix a problem or concern. I spoke to the staff at a meeting and introduced the concept of taking your problems to a member of management, and along with the problem, offering two solutions. This sparked a new way of thinking amongst the staff; before they jumped to a conclusion, they thought about a solution to the issue.
Over the last 36 years, I have had many people who worked for me in one capacity or another, and now overseeing four large childcare centers, you can just imagine how many staff we are dealing with every day. We employ close to 200 teachers and management staff.
On any given day, someone has a problem, someone is upset, or something has not gone just the way a person thinks it should happen. On those days, we can become frustrated and upset and say things that we don’t always mean; we overreact and sometimes make rash decisions that lead us down a path we otherwise would not follow. Teachers have resigned and walked out many times out of sheer frustration. I have also taken them back when they came in to apologize after they had really thought about their reaction. We then discussed different ways to handle situations, so that they did not have to hold on to feelings of resentment – and they could continue with their job of taking care of the children. I remember my mother saying to me when I was a child, “When someone apologizes, forgive them and move on. Do not hold grudges; it only affects your well-being.” I have always lived by those words. I am willing to forgive and give almost anyone a second chance if I see remorse, and know they are going to give 100% if they are given another chance.
When I looked up the meaning of “forgiveness,” it stated that it is for our own growth and happiness, and when we hold on to hurt, pain, resentment, and anger, it harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. Forgiveness allows us to move on without anger or contempt or seeking revenge.
Gabrielle Moon, Executive Director St. Luke’s Children’s Centers
