It was five minutes after three.
My mother was no where to be seen.
Not that it was unusual. A wonderful, beautiful and creative woman, punctuality wasn’t her strong point. I wasn’t worried, school had just ended and she always came rushing up full of smiles and apologies.
But today was different.
As the new girl in school, by three-fifteen I was a little embarrassed, though I tried to appear nonchalant. What was really making me nervous was the steady approach of the dreaded three-thirty bell.
That was the designated time for the dismissal of the scary older kids. I don’t know what I thought they would do to me but I was terrified of those huge fourth, fifth and sixth graders.
Fighting back tears,
I found a shrub large enough to shield me and hid. Peeking out from time to time, I impatiently waited for the last one to disappear so I could crawl out of my cramped cage.
Suddenly I saw it.
The big blue boat we called our family car was sailing toward me. Smashed into the front seat was my mom, my little sister and my dad the driver. It was four o’clock and I was livid to the point of tears. Not wanting to cry, I swallowed hard, ready to grill them on their tardiness.
Before I could say a word, something warm and furry was thrust into my arms. All was forgiven when that wiggling black bundle licked my face. Nothing like sloppy puppy kisses to wash all pain and troubles away.
They said it was a reward
for not biting my fingernails anymore. I think they felt guilty for moving me away from my friends and the only life I had known. Either way, I didn’t care, I knew they loved me and I had my beloved puppy, Taffy.
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Matthew 6:14-For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
-There was really no “sin” against me. But sometimes it’s the minor infractions that over time build big grudges. What do you need to forgive, large or small?
-Begin by praying for that person and work toward a forgiving heart. Some things take moments to forgive, some things take days, and some things take years.
This is exactly what I needed today. I’m dealing with someone who can be extremely difficult to get along with and I need to get rid of my anger toward this person. Thanks for the needed impetus.