Forgiveness

I feel awful. I think I may have hurt someone's feelings. Usually, I can just go to the person that I've hurt and apologize and ask for forgiveness. This time, I can't do that. (Trust me; if I could, I would. The reasons why I can't are too private to discuss on an internet blog.) It isn't a pride issue. I would much rather go apologize for something I've done than to have both of us feeling awful about it. If I could, I would pick up the phone right now and apologize and ask for forgiveness....

But I can't.

So I am left with the awful feeling of knowing I may have hurt someone I love and respect...

...And with the reminder that, though I did not mean anything AT ALL in a derogatory way toward this person (my words were actually aimed at myself about a particular thing), that through the ears of another, a different meaning may become attached to my words and shared with others.

I pray that God will work it all out so this person knows the true intent of my words...and that she will know that I think highly of her and care about her.

And for me, I pray that I will more closely watch the words I say so that I don't hurt others.



And in a similar instance, I typed something on my blog a little while ago that may have been misunderstood. Part of the reason I wrote it was because I was grateful that a certain person went out of their way to smile and make me feel valued in a circumstance that was somewhat overwhelming....but I’m afraid that I didn’t convey the true meaning of what I wanted to say. So if you’re reading this, please know how grateful I am that you have gone out of your way to be kind and to smile at me at times that you have known were difficult for me.

I do notice.

And I am deeply grateful.


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Edit: God worked this all out the very next day after I posted this.

Sweet forgiveness.

Peaceful heart.

Thankful for the way God works things out in my life.

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Haiti

Please pray for the people of Haiti during this difficult time.

If you are interested in helping those in Haiti, you can make a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting "Haiti" to 90999. You can also make a $10 donation to Compassion International by texting "Disaster" to 90999.

Thank you for any help you can give. Each one doing a little adds up to a lot.

The Little Things

I think most of us want to make our world a better place. Many of us ask ourselves what we can do to impact those around us. We sometimes look for "big" things to do. But I think when everything is said and done, it's the "little" things we'll remember the most. Those personal contacts that make our lives a little brighter each day.

The smile of one who passes by us.

A heart to heart talk with a trusted friend.

The hand on a shoulder of one who is hurting.

Sharing laughter with those around us.

An unexpected kiss on your cheek.

The touch of someone's hand on your arm as you speak.

A hug to welcome or comfort another.

Encouragement given to one who is discouraged.

Loving words in a letter to a friend.

As we go through life, the "big" things are important. We need people who can donate sizable amounts of money to various causes, start foundations, and such. But remember that the "little" things are important, too. The loving actions of others are often held dearly in our memories for years.

Do the "big" things if you can. But don't forget about the "little" things.


Turns out they're not so little after all.

"This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12


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I Know Not

The note lay in his hand extended to me.

"My sister wants me to ask you if you can give this to ________ so they can ask their kids to go to the car wash."

It wasn't just any car wash.

The money was going to be used to bury several young people.

An under-age joy ride taken.

The ultimate price paid.

A mother alone.

So many hearts broken.

Emotion welled up inside me and I blinked back the tears that stung my eyes. My student's own eyes swam with tears as he looked up at me. For a moment, we both thought of the ones who, at such a young age, had left this life.


A holy moment.

Felt Your presence, God.



Please comfort those who grieve.


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Those words were written some time ago. Not sure why I thought of them tonight.

Perhaps the mother is feeling especially lonely right now. Perhaps others have recently experienced a similar pain...

All in need of prayer.


I know not why the words came to mind so frequently at this particular time.

But I know God can take my prayers and send comfort where it's needed.


And so I pray...

For those who cry in the night...

Weeping for loved ones they hold no more.




"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." Ps. 56:8


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