The Latin term “tabula rasa” meaning “blank slate” represents an opportunity for a fresh start. As we enter 2009, I’m wondering if you might be willing to declare a clean slate for a relationship that you hold close to your heart. Are you continuing to have the same argument time and time again? Are you holding on to past hurts and wounds? Are you failing to extend forgiveness to those closest to you?
Years ago a situation transpired that resulted in an unresolved conflict between a family member, whom I’ll call Mark, and I. Because Mark wouldn’t acknowledge (to my satisfaction) what had happened between us, resentment began to manifest in my heart toward him. Often when I would interact with Mark, my inappropriate response to him was less about the situation-at-hand and far more about the unresolved issue between us. For years, I was very touchy in Mark’s presence making for an uncomfortable situation for those around us.
Over time, the Lord began to deal with me and my attitude toward Mark through the Holy Spirit’s promptings and through the wise counsel of my Pastor. I found that I began to see Mark differently and to put his actions and words into more healthy perspective. And then...when it seemed as though I was "over it"...Mark and I had a very bad moment during a phone conversation just before the holidays…
They say that love often finds us when we're looking in the opposite direction. And so it was on that pivotal day when Wendell went along for the ride with a friend who was interested in the eldest “Johnson girl”. Little did Wendell know that he, too, would become interested in the young woman, that they would soon begin dating, that she would one day become his wife and that on today, September 11, 2008 they would celebrate 43 years of marriage. The couple I’ve described happens to be…
