So, an interesting thing happened when I arrived home from work today. I pulled into my drive way, got out of my car; and as I turned to close my door, my neighbor was getting out of his car and he spoke to me and I returned his greeting. Now you may be waiting for the rest of the story, but that's it. See, in February 2011 there was a snow storm. My brother had parked his car on the street. When I woke up, I looked out the window to see how much snow had fallen. There was a mound of snow behind my car (picture posted below). I ran outside to see if there was any possible way I could clear the snow so I could go to work. Out of nowhere my neighbor proceeds to yell at me about parking on the street. Supposedly, because we were so "inconsiderate" the snow plow driver couldn't clean the street properly. I was taken aback because #1) it wasn't my car and #2) I didn't appreciate the way he was talking to me. I rarely remain calm when someone is screaming at me. So, my temper was ignited and I didn't stop talking until I felt I had put him and his wife in their place. I know. I completely lost my cool...and my witness, which is what I really regretted. Fast forward one year and 4 months later and here we are. Saying hello and acknowledging each other's presence again.
Unforgiveness is a prison. Unforgiveness is weighty. Unforgiveness will make you think you're right when you're wrong. It keeps you bound to things that God would like to release you from: hurt, pain, anger and people! It will fester in you and ruin all of your relationships if you don't let it go. That's right. We have a choice to hold on or let go. Today, I chose to let go, not only the unforgiveness against my neighbor, but the "justified" anger and self-righteousness. Yes, he was wrong but so was I. Essentially, I am responsible for my response. Unlike last year, today I chose to respond in love. That's the power of a transformed mind. Pow3rful in Him, Chris
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