Forgiveness

I went through a season of unforgiveness some years ago that involved closing the door on friends and family, including my mother.

When she passed away quite suddenly one autumn, I wasn't there to say goodbye. The following spring, I planted lily bulbs. My mother's name was Lily. From below ground, they appeared first as grass, and eventually opened into fragrant white flowers. As their scent moved around the garden, I was reminded of her love for flowers and for everything heavenly, including God. And I was reminded of how Jesus had suffered and died for her sins, and mine.

One by one, I pulled out the thorns of my unforgiveness and brought them to the cross of Jesus.

I wasn't able to forgive on my own. But through the power of Jesus' death and resurrection, I rose from the grave of unforgiveness, to a new life surrendered to Him.

A new life, overcome with peace.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die,

it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

John 12:24 KJV