Happy day after tax day! I trust all is well with you as you walk with Jesus.
This was me a few days ago~~~
All week long I have been looking at my pile of mass destruction. Tonight I am starting my taxes. So what if I have been telling everyone I come in contact with this same thing for the last three weeks? Well, this isn't entirely true, I have been saying this since February 14, 2008.
However, tonight is different. As soon as I am done with this article, which as I type, I'm still not sure is about, I'll get right on it. I promise. But first, I'll need to do some laundry so that I have clean clothes for tomorrow... and the dogs do need a bath. Why should they have to go to bed feeling dingy just because I have taxes to do?
The truth of the matter is, there is a very good reason I don't want to do them and that is because it brings back the painful memory of how February 15th unfolded.
It truly was the day I was going to start my taxes. Instead, It was one of those days when your whole world as you know it comes to a screeching halt and nothing else matters....
What do you do when someone you love hurts someone you love?
This has been life's lesson for my husband and me. Will we pass this test? Will we practice what we preach? Will we extend our hand of unconditional love and forgiveness? By the grace of God, we did. NO, it wasn't easy. The process is down right torturous, but one that brought about deeper love, patience and understanding for the one who betrayed the other. I am sure there are many who have been where we have just come from, or maybe you are in this situation now and are finding that anger and hatred are taking over.
(I share my thoughts for two reasons. One, I really do need to get this out of my system so I can do my taxes, and two, it is my hope and prayer that our experience will help others.)
Upon hearing the news, we cried in disbelief, then proceeded to get angry. Betrayal in my opinion, is an act of terror to the soul of the betrayed. Watching the one who has been hurt come to the realization that they have been manipulated and lied to while being smiled at is a pain that cannot be described. It can only be understood by one who has experienced it first hand.
As we had time to digest this new information, it became clear that the betrayer had some very real problems that needed to be addressed. As Christians, we could not turn our backs on this person; we needed to reach out with the love of God--the unconditional love that we ourselves continuously receive. Every one of us has secret hurts--things that we bury deep within our hearts which inevitably shape our behaviors. Understanding our own sin and secret hurts allowed us to embrace with a heart of love in spite of our flesh, which was screaming something different.
During this same time, we were able to be thankful that God allowed these things to be revealed at just the right time. And though it was the worst few weeks emotionally, it turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. Our family is stronger, our hearts are healing and we are excited about the plans that God has in store for everyone involved.
Love is a decision. I won't lie, sometimes the anger creeps in and my thoughts go places they need not be: How dare he do this to my family, what a jerk, etc. Then I remember how God had mercy on me when I was in my sinful state.
Forgive me Father. Heal his heart, make him whole, change his behavior and give him a brand new start.
Some might ask, "What of the one who was hurt, don't their feelings count?" The answer is yes, absolutely! Because we have been able to forgive the one, we have been able to minister more effectively to the other. Why? Because we are not adding insult to injury by trash talking the one they care deeply for. Instead, we are able to comfort and encourage with a sincere heart and our prayers are not hindered by unforgiveness and anger.
This is a reminder that God is faithful and the only one who will not disappoint. The lesson here is never put someone on a pedestal because of outward appearances and remember to pray for ourselves and our loved ones because temptation comes in many forms. Above all, love on purpose.
As I wrote in the beginning, I am going to do laundry and give the dogs a bath.
Sweet dreams Uncle Sam. ~~~
Be blessed as you walk with Jesus
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2 comments:
You have a great gift of writing as well. I have listed you on my blog and you are welcome to put mine on yours as well. Nice finding other Christian writers.
Hi Becky, thanks for stopping by. :-) I have added you to my blog. Sharing God's word with as many as we can, however we can is what life is all about. Have a wonderful week!
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