Friday, April 23, 2021

Dear God,

It is in the act of conflict that we decide if we will forgive.  This morning as I zoomed on worship, I watched as my neighbor stepped onto our property, knelt down in front of one of her grandmother's 80-year-old roses that had spread to our side of the garden, cleaned out around it, fed it, left a small pile of debris and then walked away.  Seems small compared to so many larger issues but this was just one among many things she has done to annoy especially since I have spent countless hours cleaning out her gardens, helping to make ready for a wedding in her backyard and untold other gestures to be a good neighbor.  As I observed her while worshipping by computer, I heard your small voice.

When asked how many times we are to forgive, you shared that seventy times was a good number.  What that meant to me was forgive again and again, don't add them up, just forgive.  I confess some times I do not want to forgive.  I want to remain angry.  But that doesn't work for you and truth be told, it doesn't work for me either.  So I made my decision to go with you!

Loving God,

you always

show us

a better way.

By and large

we are

selfish people.

We like

our way

and our will best.

I do 

not want

to be 

that way

so I 

have to

be reminded

particularly as

I worship.

Remind me

over and 

over again.

Love, Andrea