In the end, even though it was difficult, I was glad that it was behind me. It is done, paid for and I don’t have to look back.
It occurs to me that holding a grudge or having un-forgiveness toward God or someone else is much the same as my load for the landfill. It might be heavy, long-standing, messy and difficult to unload, but there it sits, not getting any lighter or less difficult to get rid of. Saying we are sorry and asking forgiveness is very difficult for many of us. We have to swallow our pride and leave ourselves vulnerable. It can be more difficult than a nasty trip to the dump. The rewards however, can be even greater. Think about the times when you have asked forgiveness and your apology has been accepted. What a good feeling.
The burden we have been carrying is released and we carry it no more. There is a peace. God wants you to have this peace with Him and with others. God says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God will accept your apology if you truly mean it. Also in Heb. 12:14 He says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Being at peace with God and man is obtainable. Being relieved of a grudge or un-forgiveness is worth it and very rewarding, but WE have to do the unloading. I paid for and left my load of trash at the dump. It’s no longer sitting there, staring me in the face, and I don’t have to look back. How full is your trailer? Something to think about…
Arnold and his wife were cleaning out the attic one day when he came across a ticket from the local shoe repair shop. The date stamped on the ticket showed that it was over eleven years old. They both laughed and tried to remember which of them might have forgotten to pick up a pair of shoes over a decade ago. “Do you think the shoes will still be in the shop?” Arnold asked. “Not very likely,” his wife said.
“It’s worth a try,” Arnold said, pocketing the ticket. He went downstairs, hopped into the car, and drove to the store. With a straight face, he handed the ticket to the man behind the counter. With a face just as straight, the man said, “Just a minute. I’ll have to look for these.” He disappeared into a dark corner at the back of the shop. Two minutes later, the man called out, “Here they are!” “No kidding?” Arnold called back. “That’s terrific! Who would have thought they’d still be here after all this time.” The man came back to the counter, empty-handed. “They’ll be ready Thursday,” he said calmly
Jesus is coming back, will YOU be ready? Most churches will be open this Sunday. Lighthouse of Faith, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.lighthousecanton.com Until next time, look up and smile!