I have more wonderful words from the Reb (Albert Lewis) from Mitch Albom’s book Have a Little Faith. His words are so simple, yet they packed meaning on every page and as you can obviously tell, they had a profound effect on me. I urge you to read this book and I’m sure you too will find pages that will touch your heart and give you pause to reflect.

The Reb was urging me not to wait. “Mitch, it does no good to be angry and carry grudges.”

He made a fist. “It churns you up inside. It does you more harm than the object of your anger.”

“So let go?” I asked.

“Or don’t let it get started in the first place,” he said. “You know what I found over the years?  When I had a disagreement with someone, and they came to talk to me, I always began by saying, ‘I’ve thought about it. And in some ways maybe you’re right.’”

“Now, I didn’t always believe that, but it made things easier.  Right from the start, they relaxed. A negotiation could take place. I took a volatile situation, and what’s the word…”

Defused it?

“Defused it. We need to do that. Especially with family. You know in our tradition, we ask forgiveness from everyone-even casual acquaintances. But with those we are closest with…wives, children, parents…we too often let things linger. Don’t wait, Mitch. It’s such a waste.”

He told me a story. A man buried his wife. At the gravesite he stood by the Reb, tears falling down his face.

“I loved her,” he whispered.

The Reb nodded

“I mean…I really loved her.”

The man broke down.

“And…I almost told her once.”

The Reb looked at me sadly.

“Nothing haunts like the things we don’t say.”*

I am currently in a situation with a family member and I need to address this very issue with him.  The situation does churn in my gut and I need to rectify the issue. It is on me to take the first step of asking for forgiveness.  Only then, will I feel peace.

Having been forgiven for all sins through the unconditional love of God by His Son’s death on the cross, we have no right not to forgive others.

In Mark 11:25 we read these words. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Don’t wait. Ask for forgiveness, forgive others and show them and tell them you love them before it is too late.  Thanks be to God!

Patty

*Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom