On forgiveness

My mom and I haven't spoken in years. I've lost count of how many. There has been a lot of hurt, a lot of lies, and just a lack of "healthy" in our relationship. But you know what's funny? When I think of her, I still remember the good times. I remember going to the beach with her growing up, and how much fun it was. I remember going to aerobics classes together and laughing so hard at each others lack of coordination that we couldn't speak. I remember sleeping in her bed until I was way too old. I like to think of the good in her, and not the bad. And the other day it dawned on me that this is how Jesus sees me. Sure, He knows what I have done and He knows my thoughts, but He loves me just the same. And He forgives me.  He sees the good in me. The bad is there, but its not magnified. And if I let Him, He will use the bad for good. 

So this year, I'm working on forgiving my Mom. Not because she does or doesn't deserve it, but because that's what I'm called to do. Extend compassion where He has shown me compassion. Extend grace where He has shown me grace. My mom may never even know that I have forgiven her, but I'm doing it anyway. I'm choosing grace.  I'm choosing love. Because its what Jesus did for me.