About a year ago, I discovered something about my grandmother that I could not believe. She had done something in her past that had affected my family, especially my mother. As children, we grow up thinking that our grandparents are these perfect people. They love each other, they play with us and they never tell us to eat all our vegetables. Grandparents are the “fun” parents. I remember thinking that my grandma was probably the sweetest lady in the whole world. She was so loving and caring.
But, about a year ago, my views of her changed. I began to realize that things were not necessarily as “perfect” as they had seemed. My mother was going through a tough time in her life. She began to confide in me little tidbits of information. Some of the things that my grandmother had done in the past were bothering my mother and she was hurting. I couldn’t believe that my sweet grandma had caused so much pain for my mother and now me.
For about a year, I ignored my grandmother. I didn’t call her as I usually did. I made excuses not to visit her. I was angry. Then one day, I began to cry. How could this have happened? I missed my grandma. And now, my children were missing time with their great-grandma. I went to my room and began to pray. Then God spoke to me and said that I should forgive her. I didn’t want to forgive; but as I prayed about it, I realized that my grandmother and my mom had gotten through the difficult situation.
My mom had found a way to forgive her. The person who was directly affected by all of this had moved on. And, most importantly, God had forgiven my grandmother. How could I not forgive her? Right then I made a decision and forgave my grandmother. A few minutes later, I picked up the phone and called her. We had one of the best conversations ever. I felt this huge weight being lifted off of me, and I was finally able to move on.
Through this experience, I realized that we are all sinners. Though it is hard to imagine, our grandparents are sinners too. God loves us all so much, and He forgives all of us when we ask Him to. We need to remember God’s love and do our best to forgive those who have hurt us, especially our family.
Memory Verse:
“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
– Acts 13:38 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, thank You for Your forgiveness and for allowing us the same opportunity to forgive others. Thank You also for the freedom that comes from forgiving those who have hurt us. Bring to my mind any one that I have not yet forgiven. Allow me to forgive them now as I pray…”
Contributing Writer:
Amy Worley
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