My father was 96 years, old battling cancer and pneumonia, plus suffering with the pain of two fractured vertebrae, when he died on November 11—Veteran’s Day. What an appropriate death for a decorated World War II veteran. During those last days, Dad knew that his time on this earth was limited and so family rallied around him and so we should, for the coin of God’s realm is love.
So often little things come up in life that causes pain and leaves a sting…a harsh word spoken, a misunderstanding between brothers and sisters, the loss of a friend over some silly argument that covered up at once would not amount to anything, but, when we hold these things up to view, and brood and sulk and fret, they grow greater before our eyes. When we refuse to set things straight, offer an apology, say “I’m sorry” we allow ‘offense’ to over take us and before we know it there is distance between us that pushes love further and further away. Would it not be better to forget?
As I watched my father laboring to breathe during those last hours of his life I knew if he could speak for himself it would have been his wish to tell the world, especially his family, reconcile your differences, tell your loved ones that they are loved and truly cared for. Don’t wait until you think it’s the end to ask for forgiveness or to forgive. Life is too short to wallow in pain and bitterness.
There is a little remedy to ease the life we live and make each day a happy one – it is the word, ‘forgive’. Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it. (From Apples of Gold).
I am thankful that nothing can separate us from the love of our Father who art in heaven, who forgives our sins as we forgive the sins of others.
(Thanksgiving article for His Banner 2011 Paraphrased for this column)
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