Lesson in Forgiveness

I've never been one to wrestle with hard core grudges. Most likely due to my short memory, I haven't had to struggle much with forgiving others. Just give me a couple of days to forget the humiliation and I'm over it. Though, I've also never been in a situation critical enough to warrant more than the reluctant pardon given after a bruised ego or broken heart. I've often wondered if I would know how to forgive someone if they really hurt me or someone I loved; more than that, actually pray for them as Christ asked me. I came across a prayer in the "Oxford Book of Prayer" that gave me new insight into the practice of not only forgiveness, but praying for my enemies. I felt moved to share it with you, in case any of you can glean some small bit of wisdom from it as I did.

"O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us; remember the fruits we have bought, thanks to this suffering - our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all of this, and when they come to judgment let all the fruits which we have borne be their forgiveness."

*The prayer written by an unknown prisoner in Ravensbrück concentration camp and left by the body of a dead child

Thanks Dad!

As most of you know our little family has spent the last few months living with my folks. A year ago this might have been cause for potential homicide by either party. The situation now is different, however, due to our little ambassador of peace. My father will tell anyone who asks, that our welcome would have worn out long ago if not for our adorable new addition. Fortunately she has her grandparents wrapped snugly around her little fingers. Having said that, we have all gotten along fairly well considering the cramped quarters and abundance of “stuff” strung throughout the entire house. Chris and I are incredibly thankful for their generosity and hospitality during our transition.

I have to dedicate a post to my sweet Dad who has been the most patient, enduring a house full of baby clutter that is only getting worse the older she gets. He is the chef of the house. If something fancy has been made, chances are he was the one doing the cooking. One of his specialties is rice pudding. He will make it with leftover rice from dinner whenever the mood strikes him. Of course it often takes some coaxing on my part. The other night after a delicious dinner with (you guessed it) rice a la carte, I started my petitioning for the delectable dessert. I’m sure it was the last thing he wanted to do but I kept hinting how yummy it would be to have a snack during the movie. (Occasionally we have the very rare opportunity to watch a movie after Elyssa has gone to bed.) Shortly after the movie started, Elyssa woke up and I went in to sooth her. I had lost all hope of getting dessert, so when I came out of her bedroom to the smell of smoke, I was a bit confused. Well guess what my adorable daddy had done. He listened to my pleas and had fixed up a quick batch of rice pudding on the stove. It just sort of escaped everyone’s thoughts during the movie and ended up all over the stove.

Dad, thank you for being so thoughtful! I want you to know how much I appreciate the effort! And I take full responsibility for the disaster!
Let’s all give that little extra effort for our loved ones, even if we end up getting burned!

Didn't get the memo!

Well on November 15, 2007 in the middle of the afternoon, I gave birth to a little rambunctious girl. Baby? No, she apparently didn't get the memo that she was supposed to be a newborn. Here I was ignorantly expecting a little floppy ball of sleepy baby. She had other plans. Holding her head up from day one, smiling up as if to say “Ha! Ha!”, she wiggled her way up my abdomen and into my heart! What a little miracle!

When she was a month old she only wanted to be pulled up to stand. Here at 2 months, she is looking out at the world in eager expectation!

Now she is 4 months old and is trying to crawl. I’m NOT pushing her in that direction, though, I need her immobile as long as possible! Funny how nothing ever happens how we expect. Life keeps throwing curve balls! Thank the Lord! Because if things never surprised me, how boring life would be!

I have to admit I’m nervous about keeping a blog. I’m not the best at following through. I hope for Elyssa’s sake I can keep this up!