Repentance and Forgiveness

The picture above didn't show up very large but it is of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles shortly before his death and resurrection. He was trying to show them how they should treat others. They should be the servant.

This past week our mortuary hosted a service for a man, a man with whom I had a lovely visit about one year ago. I remember his story being one of happiness and sadness. He had married in the temple and he and his wife had a family of 7 sons. Unfortunately, the man had strayed on several occasions. Eventually, he and his wife separated and then divorced. Neither had remarried. He had repented and was in a good place when he passed.

I was so touched by the former wife and her ability to see the good in him and forgive. I was pleased that the sons, if they had not also reached that point, they were working on it. They wanted to love their father and I think for the most part they do.

We are all sinners. We all have things in our lives we are working on to better ourselves. It's so easy to point fingers and easy to become embittered. I've been working on forgiving for some time now. There are moments when it comes easier than others and I believe even if, in your heart, you want to be a forgiving person, it takes daily concentration and work. It just doesn't happen overnight.

When I'm in a less forgiving mood, I try to think of the good qualities of that person or think of something I could do to be a better person. It doesn't always work but I try.

I'm so indebted to my Heavenly Father for this earthly experience. The older I get the more I realize that if we want the heavenly associations with our loved ones that we are taught about then we need to have the earthly associations that will show our Heavenly Father we are capable of serving others and loving them and want to be a part of His kingdom.

I have a blessed life. Yes, sometimes I'm lonely. Last night I was in a cooking and baking mood with noone to share it with. So I called my Mom and went up there to visit and share 2 new recipes with her. We both served. I felt connected and loved.

Let's be grateful each day for one another and for what we can give to this world of tears and sorrows. Let's be a giver not a taker. Let's share the love we have for each other.