FORGET ABOUT IT!

FORGET ABOUT IT!

An abandoned orphan lad wanted nothing more in the world than to belong to a family.  At age eight, his opportunity came.  Finally, a caring family wanted to adopt him!  Introductions were made, papers were signed, and soon he arrived at his new home.  The young lad took along all his hopes and possessions, the old worn out clothes he was wearing and one single toy.  

His new parents were delighted to have him and desperately wanted him to feel like part of the family.  A special celebration dinner was held.  He was given his own room and introduced to other kids on their street.  They discarded his old clothes and bought him beautiful new ones.  Also, they bought him a bike and a variety of toys.  Soon he began to feel just like the other children in the neighborhood, very well loved and part of a wonderful family.  

However, one thing was rather curious.  The young boy’s old shoes, ones with big holes in them, were not tossed out with the rest of his old clothes.  His new father placed them prominently on the living room mantel and it wasn’t long before his newly adopted son found out why.  Every time he did something wrong his father would go and get those shoes and say “Look at all we’ve done for you.  We took you in when you had nothing.  Now look at how you have behaved!”

Unfortunately, too many of us have the tendency to do the same thing in our relationships.  All too often, we dredge up past deeds and throw them back in other’s faces, never letting them forget how much they are indebted to us.  However, true love and genuine acceptance would make us THROW OUT THE OLD SHOES, absolutely refusing to exhume the body of someone’s past (or present day reminders of our generosities toward them) to hold it over their heads or somehow manipulate them.

Prayerfully consider this.  What unsavory life experiences have you let go (or perhaps now should) so unconditional love can truly prevail?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!