Have you ever done something you regret? Or done something to someone where you know they will be 'damaged', it was unfair to them, they had no control over the situation. Maybe even 'done it to the least of these'. Well unfortunately I have. Its a long story and one I am not to proud of. 13 years ago, 6 years in prison, and 3 on parole, and 4 years now free. A lot has transpired in my life in these last 13 years. Dreams died, hopes vanished, yet God's grace and mercy has revived me and renewed me into the person I am today. A productive member of society, who has paid my dues as required. A career, a family, a home. Yet something always bugged me about my past. How could I of been such a person?!? Can I really go on in this life knowing what I have done and maybe even fearing others will know too.
It was a sunny day today. I was basically minding my own business. I was heading to Michael's to buy a frame for a gift given to me by a friend. A Happy Birthday gift, early. As I drove into the parking lot my eyes caught with some one standing on the corner. I thought nothing of it till I looked in my rear view mirror and saw this person watching my car drive down the parking lot. I got the frame and started heading back to work. As I drove out I thought Id get a soda. Coming out of the Carls Jr I hear my name. Who's calling me, I thought? Then I hear it again, the voice sounded familiar but as I looked toward the voice i see the one I passed by earlier. Curious I walk across the parking lot to meet this person who knew me. As I approached they introduced themselves to me.
I FROZE! Here I was face to face with the one I had hurt. Grown now they begin to talk to me. They didnt mix or hemhaw around with words. This was a person who had got their life together and knew a God of restoration and healing. "I want you to know how much you hurt me...but I also want you to know how much God has healed me, I am ok and doing good, and getting my life together. God has taken my life and made me new. I want to serve Him and follow Him. But I must for myself forgive you and hold no bad feelings toward's you. I know God has a plan for you too. I don't want to be the reason you don't follow after God's plan for you." That was it.
FORGIVEN. First by God now by this MAN! MERCY given to me by God and now bestowed upon me by this ONE! As I walked back to my car, I was amazed by my God. I've received His grace and mercy for this along time ago, but today He allowed me to receive this other part of grace and mercy in this situation. I again over and over apologized to this man, he said I know you are sorry (not in a snide bitter way) but truly knew I was sorry. He forgave me even before I could ask!
Like the song says, Lord I'm amazed by You, Lord I'm amazed by You, Lord I'm amazed by you, and how you love me.
I met a man today! I will NEVER forget!
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