Peace + Forgiveness

Yesterday did not start peacefully;

it started with angry words and untrue accusations.

It started with pain--the kind that only humans inflict on each other.

But then came peace--a walk alone in a forest.

A drive on a quiet rural road.

The blessing of God's creation.

Time by the sea.

Crossings over peaceful rivers on their way to the sea.

The relaxing sound of the surf.

Today I battle my heart to be able to forgive the offender.

To obey the Word of my Creator and not stir up the pain and anger I feel

into the flame of resentment;

the firestorm known as bitterness--

a firestorm not easily quenched.

It is not an easy fight,

for everything within me shouts out against the unfairness of it all,

as tears threaten to break to the surface.

But yet I know so well --

peace cannot be mine again unless I can find the grace to forgive as I have been forgiven.

Blessings + Peace, Aimee

"...Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. "
Matthew 18:21b-22

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:12, 15

"Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness."

Col 3:12-14 ASV

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Photos: Upper Nehalem Valley, Cannon Beach, Nehalem River, Rockaway Beach, Tillamook area