A couple of months ago, Ken and I experienced, for the very first time, the “sacrament of reconciliation.” Never heard of it? It’s what Catholics used to call “confession.” Yes, Ken and I went to confession at a Catholic weekend retreat. And, believe it or not, we loved it!
There is something so powerful about “coming out of hiding” and then celebrating the new beginning that God offers. Our relationship with God and with others is mended.
Confession is a good thing. It has a sneaky way of disarming the power of whatever is hiding in the secret places, because whatever is in hiding has a reason for wanting to stay in the dark, unknown to anyone but the secret holder.
Secrets feel safer in the dark, but it is there that they gather power. As the saying goes, “sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Confession is a gift we seldom unwrap, although it is full of grace for us.
I’ve shared some of the things I would do differently as a parent, if given a do-over. One of those things is making our home safer for our kids to have shared the ugly stuff of life, especially teen life. My reaction of shock to the tough stuff they were struggling with did nothing to make them feel safe. Indeed, mostly it sent them into hiding.
We need to encourage our kids to come out of hiding and confess their sins or talk through their struggles, as uncomfortable as those conversations might make us feel. Then, while there may be painful natural consequences, we need to forgive and celebrate a new beginning. Even as the Father celebrated the return of his prodigal son.
Confession. Forgiveness. Celebration. It’s a good thing.
I pray your home is a safe place to come out of hiding,
Anne-Marie