By VERNA BROCK
What a great day we had last Saturday at Wakulla Wonderful. The weather was perfect, and everyone was enjoying a lovely spring day outside. I took advantage of the food trucks there, and had a delicious Pad Thai lunch from Zip Zap.
Next weekend (Saturday, March 21) is the Woodville Founders Day Festival at the J. Lewis Hall Recreation Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be historical demonstrations, performers, music, food and vendors galore. It is free and open to the public and great fun for the entire family. There are many activities across our area, all month long, but you should be sure to include Woodville on your to-do list!
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of forgiveness and grace, and my pastor even preached a sermon on the subject recently. Part of following Jesus is taking seriously His commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. That includes forgiving those who hurt us. I mean, “The Lord’s Prayer” explicitly asks that our trespasses (sins) be forgiven as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us! It seems clear we must extend forgiveness to others if we expect to be forgiven.
Basically, we’re called to extend grace to everyone. But forgiveness is usually a process. The little things are a piece of cake! It’s the worst offences that are the hardest to relinquish, at least for me. One thing I have noticed is that it’s much easier to forgive someone if they apologize first. It’s funny how that works, but it seems true. It’s always easier to let go, and let God, when I get an apology!
Too often, when wrongs arise between two people, apologies are never exchanged. Accusations and acrimony, yes. But acceptance of responsibility? No. Even so, we are reminded that we need to forgive those who wrong us, just as we need to be forgiven. Whether others acknowledge their actions or not, we can apologize and seek forgiveness. We have a role to play in reconciliation, even if another party can’t (or won’t) reciprocate.
Another observation I’ve had is that anger and grudges only hurt those clinging to them. They can eat you alive, while the object of your anger remains blithely unaware of the impact they have had.
Often, the perpetrator is utterly clueless about the havoc they have wrought, while holding onto anger and grudges only injures those who refuse to let go.
How do we manage then? Grudges can be stubborn things, and wounds still ache. But to find real peace, we must practice what we want for ourselves… forgiveness. I struggle with my human nature, my anger and judgment.
Asking God to help me forgive and love others through His grace when I just can’t by myself, expands my ability to be grace-full. It may take me a while to get where I’m going, but He keeps me moving in the right direction.
Finally, I have found forgiving someone is a reward in itself. I receive peace and grace for myself if I can move forward, and leave the past behind. In hindsight, I often wonder why it was so difficult, and took so long. How much better to look to the future, rather than stew over former grievances!
During this season of Lent, reflection and prayer, I hope we can all surrender the burdens of hurt, anger and resentment in exchange for a future of peace and joy. God’s grace is available to all of us if we accept it and practice His grace with those around us.