Closing the Chasm.

Things have been rough in our home lately. It feels like the kids are more often than not very contentious and critical of each other, and oftentimes I chime in with cutting remarks to counter theirs. This evening, while attempting to have dinner, one son was chasing another with a broom and a third one got involved and got clawed by his angry brother. We called everyone over to try to sort things out and calm them down, but one by one the kids were "casting in" their own "stones". I felt like I was looking at a group of feral, injured animals, all ready to pounce and inflict more wounds. My frustration turned to sadness. Though my son's scratches were only surface level, I felt a tenderness towards this often unruly son and with it a desire to gently put band aids on his arm. Then quietly I opened to one of the most poignant passages of scripture, Alma 7:11-12,

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Going through something gives us a much deeper understanding and richer ability to relate to others. It takes a chasm of difference & dissonance and closes it through compassion. It touches me deeply that Christ would descend below ALL things so that He would know how to extend love and compassion towards us in ALL things.

Christ seeks to close any chasm that lies between us and God. He wants to bridge the gap and bring us in to close fellowship with Him and the Father. That is why He gifts us His atonement.

Etymology:
The word "atonement" comes from the Middle English phrase "at onement," meaning "at one" or "to reconcile".
Meaning:
Reconciliation: Atonement, in its core, refers to the restoration of a relationship or a state of harmony after a breach or offense.

I was reminded today that the changes I long to see in my heart, my home and in my family will start as I seek Christ's healing. As I surrender my heavy heart to Him and allow Him to attentively tend to my wounds, I can better understand how to help heal the wounds of my children.

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