Some time ago a woman wrote a letter to Ann Landers describing the terrible relationship that once existed between her and her brother. It took the death of their father to get her to forgive him and to treat him as a brother again. Sometime after their reconciliation, her brother had a heart attack and died in her arms. She ends her letter with this moving paragraph. “I am grateful for the years we had together, but I could scream when I think of all the years we missed because we were too bull-headed and short sighted to try to get along. Now he is gone, and I am heart-sick.” How many people are walking around with these same feelings? They either won’t forgive or won’t seek forgiveness. And because of this, they are missing out on so much joy and happiness.
During this Lenten journey, don’t miss out on the great things in life’s relationships. Reach out and forgive that one who hurt you. Or seek the forgiveness of the one you hurt. The result is amazing. You won’t be disappointed.