This nanny gets some grace

I get to nanny this sweet baby boy 2 days a week. 

His name is Knox. Knox loves standing up with his strong little legs, watching cars pass by, singing along with Old McDonald and blowing raspberries at me. He is so sweet and I really love hanging out with him.

Last week, though, something bad happened.

Knox was sitting in the chair next to me but I took my eyes off him… he arched his back, slid off the chair and fell face first to the floor. Poor guy! This was my first time being responsible for an accident with a baby and I felt TERRIBLE.

He calmed down quickly and everything seemed fine, but then I had to tell his mom what happened. I was nervous to tell her but kept repeating “he’s acting fine… I really think he’s fine.” Inside, though, I felt responsible for the harm of her child, I was so scared he would have brain damage of some sort or take a nap and not wake up, not to mention I was just plain embarrassed. The more we talked about it the worse I felt. I never want to hurt that sweet little boy!

There are a lot of ways Knox’s mom could have responded… She could have even fired me and I would have understood! But instead she responded so graciously. She said she already loved me as a nanny but now loves me even more because I was willing to tell her what I could have pretended like didn’t happen. She said that even if he wasn’t ok she would still forgive me because accidents happen… luckily he was just fine. When it comes to something so precious and loved as a baby, there is justified reason to get a little freaked out- or at least worried- when accidents happen. And most people would probably not be so quickly forgiving with the nanny who let their baby fall to the floor.

I felt very blessed by Knox’s mom that day- like I got something from her that I didn’t deserve. That’s what grace is. Grace is defined as free and unmerited favor. When grace is given- when favor that isn’t based on merit is freely given- love is known and shared and felt. This story could have been about how I’m a careless nanny, but instead grace turned it into a story of sweet forgiveness and a loving relationship.

One way that TRUE love is shown is through grace. If we want to grow in our love for others, we should practice being gracious people. Yes- we should forgive them when they drop our babies on the floor. ha. Ok, that's not funny. But really, when we're offended or hurt or angry or bitter, giving forgiveness and grace really will help clear away those yuck feelings. It's not natural and it's not easy, but I promise it will be worth it. Our hearts will begin to understand what it means to love unconditionally and our love for others will be made stronger in the process. Also, those receiving the grace (i.e. me) will feel very blessed. And may even blog about it. :)