Open Arms

How many times have you fumed over a disagreement with a loved one? From your point of view everything is so clear; how could he or she be so pigheaded? Such moments can lead to a meditation on the issue that is the opposite of prayer, as with each reassessment it gets more and more frustrating. In these times, seeing ourselves as part of the cause is very difficult to do.

As David learned, making amends is about acknowledging when we have done wrong and turning back to God to seek forgiveness and a new start. God is always there, ready and waiting for us; all we have to do is remember that and go back to God’s welcoming arms. When we do this, the joy of being right with God and ourselves is refreshed and renewed, and in turn, will help us make things right with others. It is also a time to reflect, so that we can move forward with God’s help on a better path than the one that led us to our troubles in the first place.

Dear Lord, when we have discord with one another, help us to seek your comfort and counsel and uphold us with a willing spirit. Amen. — CS