Every now and then, something takes me back to first grade, a period in my life that never brings good memories. Perhaps I hold unforgiveness…I am not sure…maybe it is just that I remember. Memories exist, and they pop into my mind every now and then, especially when there’s a reminder.
Is like drinking poison and hoping
someone else gets sick.
_________________________
_________________________
She’s long
gone from this world, this first grade teacher who made my introduction to school
a nightmare. I would not wish bad
things for her, even if she were still living. My second grade teacher was much better, and
the rest of my years at Underwood Elementary were pleasant enough.
My third
grade teacher, whom I really liked, was the principal when my daughter was
enrolled. She handled a situation involving
my daughter very badly, in my opinion, and I wrote her a scathing letter….and
copied the superintendent of education.
Did I over-react? Possibly…but
she did, indeed, handle a delicate situation rather coarsely. She also discussed it with the grandmother
of the little boy involved, and when I saw her (the grandmother) in WalMart
shortly after the incident, she was very rude, and told me that if I had any problems with her
grandson to contact her, not the school. The grandmother is gone from this world, too, but the memories still remain.
What does
one do with bad memories? Granted, my “bad”
recollections are nothing in comparison to the memories of so many hurting people walking around in today's world. But a
hurt is a hurt, and memories do exist.
Unforgiveness doesn’t have to be attached to the thoughts, but how can
you be sure that you aren’t just remembering, but that a little unforgiveness lingers?
__________________________
Unforgiveness is unforgiveness,
No matter how small it is.
___________________________
No matter how small it is.
___________________________
One of the
toughest forms of forgiveness is that of our own actions, inactions, bad
choices, stupidity…forgiving ourselves for our past choices and mistakes. And whether we know it or not, there may be
people holding grievances against us for some callous thing we said or did, and
we don’t even realize we’ve hurt someone.
I am one to hold on to a grudge. I don't know why! But today, I’m
choose forgiveness. Every fiery dart aimed
at me today will be met with a shield of forgiveness. Grudges are never worth hanging to, and especially
when it gives something “bad” even the tiniest bit of power in my life.
_______________________________________
Find the beauty in the day.
May you find forgiveness in
your heart
for every bad memory that haunts you.
And may it be as easy as a walk in Deibert Park...
Deibert Park, Florence, Alabama.
All photos belong to Margaret @ Committed Thoughts
Loved the pictures. I struggle with unforgiveness that I manage to turn into bitterness that is the ugly root I get to carry with me. I too sometimes (lots of times) hold a grudge; currently still doing in almost 4 years later since we moved down here. I really do try to want to forgive and try to move on, but then it comes back and haunts me; I need to adopt your attitude today and choose forgiveness today and then choose forgiveness tomorrow and so on.
ReplyDeletebetty
Yes...sometimes it's a daily thing. The big things generally are. I can't believe it's been four years!
DeleteYou're doing it exactly right, Margaret. :)
ReplyDeleteI do one more thing. Whenever those memories come up, I also ask the Lord to bless that person--and if they're dead, I ask for their family to be blessed.
If it's the enemy who is bringing up those old hurts and offenses, he'll soon stop when he rrealizes that the result is blessing rather than simmering curses. It makes me laugh every time I do that. :D
And, remember, forgivenes is not a feeling--it's an act of obedience. Feelings take a while to catch up.
How's Lucy?
Deb
I suppose we can't believe everything we feel, yes? I have "prayed for my enemies" before; one chick got prayed for uh-lot a year or so ago...but lately, I have forgotten to do that. Great reminder, thank you!
DeleteLucy is doing pretty well. She seems to be getting around fairly good, and doesn't seem to be in pain...some discomfort, perhaps. Thanks for asking.
The Peace Prayer
ReplyDeleteLord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. St Francis is Assisi