Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Dearest God,

"I'm sorry," two small words can melt away the gravest sin.  A real authentic apology, a surrendering heart opened to another who hurts gives life and hope and love and even joy.  It changes things, allowing for a new start, a fresh beginning, a letting go of yesterday and a welcome to today.

Sometimes life gets hard.  Old habits die hard.  Words can crush and break the strongest heart.  Yet, a gentle contrite statement can weave back together the fabric that was torn.  This is your work, no doubt about it.  Forgiveness comes directly from your giving, loving heart.  It is mercy at its best.

There are moments when I get stuck.  I feel trapped just for a quick millisecond thinking the past has crept up on me without my noticing it.  I feel like prey, the hunter ready to storm.  I find myself grabbing tools to protect my heart but then, yes then, you appear to me.  "Really," you ask, "have you forgotten my forgiving power, my everlasting love?  Are you so fragile that you cannot grab hold of my offering and find a way to handle the situation you now face?  Pick up my transforming tool; begin the work of transformation."  I bow my head and realize how shortsighted I am, how weak, and faithless.  You do not leave it at that.  You lift my chin so I can look heavenward.  You show me the power of grace.  You open the door to the future.  I speak, "I'm sorry, Lord," even as my husband takes hold of me and whispers, "I'm sorry.  I love you."

Your compassion
is endless,
Generous God,
you constantly
remind us
to remember
grace is always
at work.
We may
not see it
at first.
It may
take time
but along
the way
you show us
evidence of
your living presence.
Teach patience,
Merciful God,
and open me
to it,
I pray.

Love, Andrea