When our son Nathan turned two and a half, we began using occasional time-outs as a consequence for breaking family
rules. I became concerned, however, by the negative feelings my son
displayed when a time-out concluded. He often seemed sad and
discouraged. As I prayed for a way to make the experience more positive,
I felt impressed to say the phrase “Let’s try again.”
After the
next time-out, I took my son’s hand and said with enthusiasm, “Let’s
try again!” Suddenly the focus shifted away from his negative behavior
and centered instead on the opportunity he had to start over. I was
amazed at the difference this approach made. Instead of coming out of
time-out feeling punished, he was eager to make better choices.
I soon
started using the phrase in a multitude of situations. I found myself
inviting Nathan in lots of ways: “Let’s try again! This time we can do
better. This time we can be gentle” or “This time we can be kind.”
The saying became such a motivator for my son that during a time-out he often called to me, “Mommy, I am ready to try again!”
As I
pondered the dramatic effect this simple phrase had on my son, I
considered the power contained in the words “Let’s try again!” I
realized that God, the Father
of us all, does not want us to dwell hopelessly on the mistakes we have
made. Instead, He invites us to sincerely repent and focus on a
brighter future where we can improve each day. To make repentance
possible, God was even willing to offer the life of His Beloved Son. His
promise is: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Watching my son’s renewed determination to do better, I felt a surge of gratitude
for a loving Father in Heaven, who is merciful to His children when
they repent. I also felt a deep appreciation for the Savior, whose
infinite Atonement makes it possible for each of us to say, “Let’s try
again!”
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