Today has been a rough day. The kind that makes you wish you could climb up into your parents' bed, cover your head with the sheets, and just disappear. As much as I wanted to wallow in my sadness or hold on to my anger for weeks, I woke up knowing that the Lord has called me to forgiveness.
I was hurt last night by a thoughtless act from a friend. A friend whom I greatly value. The details of what transpired are not important. What is important is the way we both responded.
I was quick to anger. I admittedly struggle with anger, something the Lord and I are working through. I took myself home and put myself to bed. If I'm asleep, I can't lash out, which was the goal.
This morning, the sunlight brought clarity, and the Lord renewed the good work he has begun in me: teaching me forgiveness. I so often ask for his forgiveness and believe he gives it freely and fully. And he asks me to do the same.
This morning also brought her response: a phone call, and on the other end was my friend with a sincere apology. I did not hesitate to forgive.
It took a lot of maturity on her end to face the music and be honest.
We sat and talked this afternoon. Will things go back to normal immediately? No. Hurt is hurt. I may be able to genuinely forgive, but the emotions don't automatically subside. I'm sad, disappointed...hurt.
And I'll be okay.
I'm so thankful for growth. I'm so thankful for maturity. I'm so thankful that I can see that in the grand scheme of things, this is minuscule. And with time, things will go back to normal. And we will laugh and trust again. I'm thankful for my friend.
