Second Chances - A Life Lesson

Sometimes our feelings get hurt real bad.  We hear things said to us that attack our person, ridicule us or inflict thoughts that we are of little value.  Then when the person who did the hurt realizes what they did, they apologize.  We forgive because that is what we are supposed to do.  I want to acknowledge how hard that is to do. However, I learned a great lesson from a young boy this week.

The boy had some built up hurt.  He had become weary of what seemed like constant criticism.  When steps were taken to protect and build up the boy's esteem, he became himself again.  (It should be made very clear here NO physical pain NOR abuse was this boy's issue.) 

The person who did the criticizing became very apologetic for his actions to the young boy.  He did all the right things.  He communicated in words how sorry he was and acknowledged his wrongful way. Then the person took steps to make sure the boy would feel secure and be comfortable, by making some changes which included some self sacrifices.  He did some environmental changes, spoke words and even wrote out his apologies.  It was very commendable.

The boy was asked about how he felt about the person who hurt him and if he could forgive him.  He was not expected to receive the person back in his life nor expected to forgive immediately.

The young boy listened and read the letters and card.  However, it wasn't the words that affected him. The young boy did some accessing and acknowledged that sacrifices were made on his behalf.  It was then that he said, " If (name withheld) can sacrifice his own comfort and do all these things just for me, then I want to forgive and give him another chance."

Friends, I am so blessed to know this young boy.  I love his heart.  He has reminded me of several important things.

1.  Jesus sacrificed His comfort and died on my behalf.  He is a God of second chances.  In my case of many "second" chances.

2.  I need to acknowledge efforts made to restore my hurt in relationships and forgive more freely.

3.  I need to know how to apologize more effectively and not only use words but in action make changes so as not "recur" the hurt.

4. I need to constantly monitor and filter my speech so as not to inflict hurts with criticism, ridicule and other harmful words.

5. Lastly, I need to love and forgive with the gentleness, sincerity and genuineness of a child.

This blog is my diary of lessons learned in life.  I enjoy finding meaning in my life through daily experiences and shared stories.  Sometimes I see lessons in objects.  I will keep my eyes and ears open...my life is enhanced and better for it.

You are loved, acf