| Sunny Side Up Oct. 5, 2005 �2005, Kathleen Gibson Thanksgiving for forgiveness I'm amazed to discover a blessing growing through the brokenness. Misunderstandings, miscommunication, misperceptions, unwillingness to bend - none of us planned the afternoon to twist that way. But before it was spent, our relationship wound down like a clock that won't stop striking. Bong, bong, I hear the echoes still, feel the hammering of my heart.. Two days later, we were strangers, with a desert between. Uncrossable. I've tried several times to reach the other side, but it retreats like a mirage in the distance. In spite of all that, the blessing sprouted. The miracle of it takes my breath away, just like another miracle did, years ago. Securely helmeted, The Preacher, our children, and I climbed into the tiny vehicle that would take us deep under the earth into the vast slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales. Once in, the cart plunged down a 30 degree incline so rapidly it left my stomach above ground, and I had to call it back. We clattered through the dimly lit mine, our cart nearly touching steep slate walls on both sides. Above, the cavern roof wept. Every dozen yards or so, a feeble light revealed luminescent water ribbons trailing down the sides. I saw it there, at one of those lights. A cluster of vibrant green, three inches long at most, protruding from a crack in the slate and reaching with every feathery tendril into the pool of light. I wanted to cheer till I was hoarse for that little fern growing in that hard place; thriving on impossibility. My blessing is this: Somewhere inside of me, a green thing grows. Fragile but determined, it immediately forced a crack in the black slate of painful memory, and began reaching out to the light. It was planted by the Son of Peace, who bathes me in healing love and infuses me with his strength to seek and offer forgiveness, even while hurting. That strength is available to all genuine Christ-followers. The more it's used, the more determinedly it's practiced, the more freely forgiveness flows. This Thanksgiving, I am eternally grateful for that healing blessing. I pray daily for it to bloom across the desert too. Respond Home |
 |