Small children tend to commit the same offense over and over again, and daily life for those in the midst of shepherding small souls is an exercise in loving patience. Jesus’ instruction in Matthews Gospel to forgive “seventy times seven” times can prove difficult to follow in the face of frustration at their seeming inattention. Yet, how patient, how loving is our God to forgive me in the face of my repeated faults and failings? Lord help me to be patient with others today and help me to forgive those who offend me.