“He’s Just Like You.”

Another family Dinner for 25 was in the books. The main dish was worse than average-
The side dishes were some of my best work. 
Desserts were a work in progress. 
It’s a lot of work to host- but travels had taken me away the previous two weekends- and I longed to connect with my family. 

I had a nice extended conversation with my sister’s family as they lingered in the front yard after dinner. We caught up about the hard and joys in her life and I walked them to the car as they left. 

My brother-in-law works at the same company as my son. He spoke of a busy upcoming week complete with a long to-do list and the energy required to pound it out. 
“Hopefully my kid isn’t giving you any trouble…” I replied knowing he is fiercely loyal, a top performer, and yet won’t hesitate to push back on upper management if he doesn’t agree with their insight for his team’s success…

My brother-in-law laughed and quipped-
“He’s just like you…” 

I was momentarily shook. 
“This can’t be good. And that wasn’t a compliment.”
Were my flooded thoughts. 

My quick wit responded. The group laughed, and I was left to ponder on the conversation. 

The reference was in regards to my son’s intensity and no-holds-bar attitude and approach toward anything he sees as a goal in the right direction or a challenge in wrong-doing in business. 
However, the phrase has given me much to think about-

If someone were to say “He’s just like you” and my thought was 
“Oh good. ❤️Then he will be happy forever…”

What would I hope for?

Lately, it centers around letting go, daily repenting for not showing up like I wish I would, and forgiveness. 
What a gift – a blessing and an opportunity we have to simply forgive. 

I know it begins with quickly and completely forgiving myself-
For how I’ve not shown up at times and ways I wish I had been stronger. 

But I work to do it- to exercise grace. Thus the way is clear and the force is strong to forgive others. 

Who benefits?
Mostly me. 
It never excuses anyone from wrong-doing… 
That’s God’s work. Not mine. 

But it frees me. 
As I work to let go of the frustration, anger, and hurt, I can note what’s hard…
And yet see clearly why forgiveness is worth the effort.

It’s the number one thing to keep the adversary out of the playground of our relationships. 
Feeling bitter and resentful in our relationships is paralyzing. 

If we stop and think-
Who would I benefit from forgiving?
That’s the key-
It’s for me. 

It makes me think again about how much God loves me. He gave me a commandment that simply helps me have a happier life. 

Take the challenge?
Answer the question?
Who would you benefit from forgiving?

-JC

Biscoff Cookie Butter Krispy Treats

4 Tablespoons butter
12 oz marshmallows
¼ teaspoon salt
7 oz. marshmallow creme
5 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups cups small chunks of Biscoff cookies (18 cookies)

In a large microwave safe bowl, melt butter with marshmallows for 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth. Stir in salt.  Stir in marshmallow creme. Add Rice Krispies and Biscoff pieces.  Stir thoroughly until combined. Gently press ½ of the krispy treats into a 7” x 11” greased baking pan. Drizzle ½ cup melted cookie butter onto the krispy layer.  Carefully add remaining krispy treats and gently press. Drizzle top with ¼ cup melted cookie butter.   Let set. Share!