Thursday, February 2, 2017

Dear God,

You watch us carry resentment and bitterness.  You know such things bite into the human soul.  You do not force us to give up that which keeps us angry and separate from others.

I listened as my family member retold the story of betrayal and broken trust.  I watched as she became more heated and distressed.  I heard her say, "I will never forgive her, never."

I know the taste of bitterness.  For years I chewed on it.  It was a close friend to me, keeping me away from truth, peace, and joy.  I held onto it because it gave me reason to continue to hate.  But one day you came to me offering relief.  I guess I was just too tired to carry it any longer.  I will never forget the sweet release, the light that filled the space kept so long in the dark, and the mercy that came with it.  I remember shedding tears of joy and feeling so unworthy of so rich a grace.  Yet, you gave it anyway.

You offer.  Why do we take so long to accept?

Gracious God,
thank you
for offering us
the gifts
of life.
Soften our hearts
so we
may receive.
Show us
the way, Lord,
we pray.

Love, Andrea