The Black Sharpie

Raising boys has been quite the adventure, and I certainly wasn't handed a guidebook for it. I had no idea I would need to learn about every single Pokémon and their abilities. Plus, is there a certain number of stuffed animals or toy trucks that is considered enough for one child?

Our two boys present their own unique set of challenges. Wyatt, our oldest, is clever and knows how to navigate situations to his advantage; he can catch us off guard when we least expect it. In contrast, Garrett has earned the nickname "the destroyer" for good reason. When he’s quiet, it’s a sign that mischief is brewing. Although he’s a sweet and kind-hearted boy, if he isn’t kept occupied, he finds ways to entertain himself that often lead to chaos. Whether it’s using scissors to shred important documents or hiding our belongings only for us to discover them months later, it’s always an adventure. When things go missing or seem out of place, we have a good idea of who might be behind it.

Garrett's latest escapade involved an encounter with a Sharpie marker, and it was only a matter of time before mischief ensued. The marker, innocently resting on the table, must have been an irresistible temptation for him. I can't help but think that Mom shares some of the blame for leaving such a captivating object within his reach, just waiting for his curious little hands to seize it. It's the ideal tool for creating chaos, and I’m sure you can guess how this story unfolds.

Did I also mention that I had a very sentimental bracelet laid out on the table by the sharpie?

I realized my bracelet was missing, a piece I usually wear every day. After returning home from church, I searched the house thoroughly, but it was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, I turned to Garrett for help. "Garrett, have you seen Mom's bracelet?" I asked, but he just looked at me and replied, "No Momma, I have no idea what you're talking about."

But Momma's know.....

I noticed his small green grinch jacket dangling off the back of the chair, nearly slipping to the floor. I decided to pick it up and hang it properly, but as I did, I heard a series of clinks. Glancing down, I spotted a stunning sterling silver bracelet that I initially mistook for being tarnished. But then I thought, that can't be right. My eyes shifted to the table, and I realized the Sharpie lid was missing.

I couldn't believe it was my bracelet. When I noticed the inscription, a wave of recognition washed over me; it was indeed the one I had been searching for. My cheeks flushed with warmth as I processed the moment. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself, offered a silent prayer, and allowed myself a moment of stillness to absorb the significance of what I had found.

"Garrett....did you have my bracelet?" 

"No Mommy." His continued dishonesty stung more than any Black Sharpie Bracelet ever could, leaving my heart aching. 

"Garrett, I understand that you did. This truly hurts me, and I feel so sad about it. It meant a great deal to me. " Tears started to trickle down his face.

"I didn't mean to Mommy. I'm sorry."

I sat down with my sweet boy and shared a moment of the bracelet that sparkled beautifully, reminiscent of the purity Adam and Eve had in the garden. However, just as sin entered their lives, the bracelet became marred by a black Sharpie. I stood up, retrieved an alcohol wipe, and gently cleaned the bracelet, watching as the marks disappeared. This led me to explain how God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins, just like the wipe removed the darkness from the bracelet. I told him that when we invite Jesus into our hearts and seek forgiveness, we too can be made new and pure again, just like that bracelet.

God provides us with perfect opportunities to share His message with our children. That day, I also learned an important lesson about forgiveness.