Lesson in Forgiveness

This past week was filled with a lot of ups and downs. I did get some wonderful alone time with my hubby, something that comes too far and in between. But in the midst of this good time something happened that caused me great sadness. 

Have you ever been to the point that you were so embarrassed and humiliated that you just thought you would fall through the floor and die? And you blamed someone for it and were so angry and hurt that you thought you would never ever let go of it? Well I was there. For about 24 hours, I was so there. 

But then something very wonderful happened. I am a Christian, and I talk to God conversationally, not in the formal manner that is so stereotypical. In the middle of my (lengthy!) conversation with Him I asked him to please, please take the pain away. And just as clear as a bell He impressed upon me, "Forgive them". And I did. I let it go. My burden lifted, my heart was at peace and the anger and hurt were gone. Immediately.

But that's not the end. After much thought and prayer I went to this person who had brought me the pain. And you know what? We worked it all out. We discovered that God uses things like this to do work in us. Usually I have problems with forgiveness and stubbornly resist. I hold grudges. But thankfully this time God spoke and I listened. And when we listen, good things result.