Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Dearest God,

"Forgiveness is the scent the flower leaves behind upon the foot that steps on it." Years ago I came upon this saying. It may not read exactly like this. But it's close enough. You get the point. Forgiveness transforms an assault into grace.

We had dinner with a couple last night. Driving in the falling snow, eating good food in a warm, cozy restaurant, and sharing our lives was a meaningful adventure. We caught up on each other's lives, children, jobs, health, future plans. It was fun.

As I rode in the backseat, I reflected upon an incident that occurred with the driver some time back. An agreement was made, approval was given, promises shared. But an independent decision changed it all. I was disappointed, even angry. As it goes, "I got the short stick in the situation."

But as I contemplated further, I realized I was looking at a couple whose lives had been torn apart even earlier. An infraction, a gigantic hurt, had blown them out of the water. The one spouse had fallen, ripping at the seam of their relationship. I was pulled into the middle of it. I remember the tears and grief. It became so bad that it looked like the marriage may end.

But something happened. The oil of gladness returned to the marriage. Hurts were set aside. Forgiveness was imparted. Joy returned. The spouse made real changes, altering the course of the relationship. Boundaries were put into place. They worked real hard to give their relationship another chance. Tonight as I observed them there were no tears, no barriers or obstacles. Just openness and a love for each other.

Harboring resentment and bitterness takes tiny bites out of the soul. Over time like good cholesterol that recedes away, leaving the body at risk, a person can really suffer on so many levels. Ugliness can enter, muddying the waters further. Beauty can erode away leaving a sad spectacle. And this can go on for a very long time. Life spills out, leaving a skeleton behind.

But forgiveness changes everything. Beauty returns. Life becomes good again. The heavy burden removed, the air of joy fills the soul. A teeny scar is left behind as a reminder that God has kissed the soul, taking away the hurt and sorrow. Forgiveness leads to new beginnings.

Last night I was a witness to this grace. In the couple, in myself.

Healing comes softly, gently
as forgiveness takes the place
of an old injury.
When God has touched the soul,
anything is possible.
Removal of unwanted
hurts, disappointments,
resentments, and bitterness
leaves room for God to grow.
It's like a budding rose
unwrapping itself to show
a beautiful, exquisite center.
Forgiveness,
the love song of God.

Love always, Andrea