"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent," (Luke 15:7 NIV).

I've learned, recently, that teaching a two-year-old the meaning of sin and repentance is no small task. I first had to face the fact that my once small, seemingly innocent, infant son, now stands before me a mischievous, curious, playful and sometimes, down-right ornery boy. His days of disobedience and trouble have just begun, I'm certain. So have my days of attempting to keep him on the straight and narrow path.

Just yesterday, I waited to see if he was beginning to understand his need to apologize for doing something wrong. I watched from a distance as he found a ball-point pen on our kitchen counter, then decided to decorate the freshly painted white walls of our home. I didn't let it go on for long, then entered the scene and watched his response.

At first, there was nothing. Just the startled response any toddler might have being "caught in the act." The pen was shoved behind his back and he cleverly tried to move his little body in front of the work of art he had created. But any parent can imagine how my frustration and disappointment over the ink on the walls faded when he spoke those three small words on cue, "I'm sorry, Mama."

Like the inexperienced parent that I am, I ran to him, picked him up, then began applauding the stride he had just made (for all I know, he thought I was applauding the picture he'd drawn on the wall.) My heart leapt with joy and relief as I began to see my son's awareness of right, wrong and the need to ask for forgiveness.

Can you imagine how Christ must feel when He watches us? Scripture tells us that while He could sit all day and focus on the righteous - those who are walking right in line with His will and ways - He chooses to closely watch those of us who falter, and then celebrates with those in heaven when we repent and trust Him to forgive us.

Surely a life of holiness and purity is pleasing to God and His desire for our lives. But when we fall, and sin enters our lives, remember that our genuine apology and desire to change our ways gives Him great joys as well. Just as I received my son's three precious words, I pray I will never forget the value of my three words as well: "I'm sorry, Father."

-Emily A. Vermilya

"'Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep,'" (Luke 15:6 NIV).