Becoming Ernie Macmillan: Foot Eater #MNBHP

I just want to say, Harry, that I’m sorry I ever suspected you. I know you’d never attack Hermione Granger, and I apologize for all the stuff I said. We’re all in the same boat now, and, well—”

He held out a pudgy hand, and Harry shook it.

CoS

Earlier in their second year, Ernie had suspected Harry was Slytherin’s Heir and said some nasty things about him that Harry overheard. Now, Hermione has been petrified by Slytherin’s monster and Ernie recognizes that Harry would never hurt Hermione. Ernie could have just ignored Harry, but instead he was brave enough to admit he was wrong and to apologize.

Many of us might not care all that much for Ernie, but it takes a lot of “moral fiber” to admit when we have done something wrong and to apologize to the person we wronged. Perhaps we don’t want to become Ernie completely but, I believe, this quality is highly admirable and advantageous.

CHALLENGE:

Be quick to take responsibility and slow to place blame. When in doubt, if someone feels you did something that hurt their feelings, whether right or wrong, apologize. The only thing an apology hurts is our own pride and let’s face it, some of us can afford for our pride to be cut down a notch.

Treat others as you would like to be treated, or even better than you would like to be treated. I don’t know about you, but when my feelings are hurt, if the person who hurt them comes up and apologizes sincerely, for me the matter is set right (and usually, I hope, I’ve forgiven them even before they apologize). We are all human. We are all going to have our feelings hurt and also hurt someone’s feelings. Give grace as freely as you wish to receive grace.

What do you do when you realize you’ve stuck your foot in your mouth? How do you treat others who have, like Ernie, stuck their foot in their mouths? Share your answer with us using #MNBHP.

Next Week: Becoming Dobby: A Free Elf