Consider this my Tiger Woods photo and conference asking for forgiveness. However, I am nowhere near Master's material when it comes to this. Sorry Augusta.
Notice the books in the background? I am someplace studious, obviously doing things that are not productive.
I'm currently enjoying another afternoon "getting things done." (The placement of quotations is correct, and Ross would be proud).
"Getting things done" has quickly turned into a game, how little can I get done before I give myself a break...and still be content when I leave for the day. Well, this photo is evidence of one of my distractions - photobooth. Another is research on topics completely irrelevant to what I am trying to accomplish.
This weekend I was on a quest to deepen my understanding of forgiveness and grace - which lead to a long study on the 7 Deadly Sins. I also searched the web for a vibrating wrist watch - because I can't hear mine when it beeps, a great inconvenience as a P.E. intern and runner. That search was inspired by the search on the previous weekend - where I believe I spent almost two hours researching the United States Patent website, in attempt to discover how every household item is designed and what year it was made. Like I said, I was "getting things done."
Back to my study on Forgiveness. It's a (not enjoyed) struggle of mine. Not on the giving end but on the receiving end. I hear Paul say, Grace & Peace. But that Grace just seems so far away.
Hear Matthew West out for a bit.
Look at the clock on your computer. Take 5 minutes and pray over these lyrics. Yes, you do have time for this.
And there's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me…it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace…
The journey I have began as a result of the time taken to "get things done." If the idea of forgiveness, or grace, of that word being enough to repair the hurt, the lies, the pain, the denial - doesn't stir something in your heart, then try this. Pray for God to strip your heart clean. Intimidated? I was.
Almost a year ago I prayed for a changed heart, Built On Rock and Failed Pieces and Sin are all blogposts that direct you into my thoughts.
To be fair to the blogging world, I will not be spilling my heart on this topic simply because I think it violates all codes of vulnerability and decreases my sensitivity to the people I need to forgive and the forgiveness I need to give myself. If you'd like to teach me anything you've learned about grace, about forgiveness, I'd love to dive into a heart to heart. You name it.
If there is anything I've learned in the past 11 months it is, and believe me...
Forgiveness is not an option.
It is a necessity.
If would like insight on this topic, I recommend...
"The Forgiving Self" by Robert Karen (not Scripture based)
"Unpacking Forgiveness" which I have yet to read but it sounds good
I've found the most help from "Forgiveness - Following Jesus into Radical Loving"
The entirety of David's Psalm 51.
Grace and Peace to all.
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