We have had a time with a little girl in Abby's class. This is probably a good time to state this disclaimer: I know that I am only getting one side of the story. I know that there are always more facts that what is shared with the mom. I know that my child may be exaggerating and may very well be part of the problem.

Now, I don't like to judge anyone, especially little kids, but I am just not sure she is a very nice kid. Abby has complained about this little girl mistreating her since August. We have exchanged numerous emails with Abby's teacher and guidance counselor and have had two parent teacher conferences.

This past week, the situation was pretty bad. (I will spare you all the details because this is not what the point of this blog is all about.) It was so bad, that Abby wrote me a letter while at school concerning her situation with this young girl. Not only did she just write me a letter, she had several of the other little girls in her class sign the letter in support of her statements.

Needless to say, I emailed the teacher once again. We were pretty desperate for some help as Abby was pretty miserable. The next day, Abby returned home in a much better mood. We asked her how her day went and she proceeded to tell us that her teacher had taken care of the situation. (Again, I'll spare you the details)

I asked her if she felt better about it. Her response was, "Well, ya know mom, it is pretty easy to be nice to everyone on the day you have to see the principal. I will let you know how she does this time next week." How true is that? I was shocked. How profound a statement from such a little girl.

As we were driving home from our Valentine's Dinner, I asked her if she had finished filling out her valentines for her class party the next day. She assured me that she had. I asked her if she addressed one to the little girl who had been bothering her. She said, "Of course I did." She wanted to know why I would ask that question. I told her that sometimes, it is hard to give someone a nice thing when they have been mean to you.

She said to me, "You know Mom, Valentine's Day is all about love and grace. That's why I addressed a valentine to her." I was in a slight state of shock. She proceeded to tell me that "God loves everyone. He gives grace to everyone, even if they are a mean little girl." I said told her she was exactly right. Her next statement floored me once again. "Mom," she started, "God is able to love everyone like that because He is perfect. I'm not perfect, but I want to try to love them too."

What a moment. We may have difficult moments as parents but there are times when we know that we are doing a good job. This was one of those for me.