We all come from different walks of life.  Our perspectives are as varied as our experiences.  My wife, therefore, has some unique insights into the subjects of repentance and forgiveness.  She says:

“I’ve potty trained 10 children.  Each one was a struggle, and there were some pretty bad accidents.  I talked to each one as we went through the process, and told him that he’d feel better and be more comfortable and would feel good about himself if he’d just go through the process of learning.  We were both frustrated at times; but once the child learned, he took a giant growth spurt.

“And interestingly enough, I don’t remember any specific problem any of the children had along the way or who did what.  I just remember it was a bad time for both of us.  Even though there were bad accidents, I hold no grudges.  I just wanted them to grow and to achieve, and rejoiced with them as they discovered their new strengths and capabilities.  I just wanted them to progress and to reach a higher level.

“I think the Lord is like that.”