Forgiveness On The Mountain

Later, on the same day I got the news the biopsy was cancer, a sweet friend came over to hang out with me. She thought it would be a good escape for me if we went to Cheaha State Park the next day, I agreed. I didn't realize this meant she would be driving or I may have politely said, "No!" :-) By the way, Cheaha State Park is definitely a must if you are looking for a cool experience and love the outdoors.​

As we made our way the next morning, we just sorta free-styled the trip with no set agenda. We stopped along the way excited to see a covered bridge. It was cool, but not located at its original location. It would have been really cool to see it in its original location. There were also some really cool things carved on the boards on the inside, including one marriage proposal. I really hope she said yes, whatever she said, she wasn't nice enough to carve her response back in the wood to him. (LOL)

Shortly after we arrived at Cheaha. Which by the way, Cheaha is where you can find the highest point in the state of Alabama. (Cheaha State Park Elevation 2407 FT) We walked the trail to see the amazing views at Bald Rock, which led to some amazing pictures and moments. We basically took the time to do everything the park offered, it was nice to forget about the previous day's phone call.

As we started our journey home, we came across a great spot to pull over to enjoy the view and pray. We started chatting about forgiveness, knowing my own hypocrisy with forgiveness I immediately started thinking about the person in my life I never forgave. My excuse was, they never asked me for my forgiveness. Imagine that, me placing a higher value on my forgiveness than God places on us. I also I have a few people I need to ask for their forgiveness, prayerfully God opens the door of opportunity. 

After speaking and praying with my road-trip partner, we decided (by "we" I mean she) that I should send a text to this person. After a little deliberation I finally did and I can't tell you how freeing it was to let go of all of the emotions that had built up over a 35-year period. I later received a response, but in truth, none was needed. I ended up sending another text to someone else I needed to forgive. 

Forgiveness starts with God. We have sinned against Him, but in the greatest show of love He made the first move by sending Jesus Christ to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Do you understand this? We wronged God, but He made the first move toward forgiveness and what an amazing gift. Is it time for you to forgive someone that has wronged you? Do it! Not forgiving is placing a higher value on your forgiveness than God places on His. I understand the road to forgiving is difficult, but at least pray for the ability to do so. Don't forget to ask for forgiveness or pray for the opportunity to do so where you wronged someone. 

Forgiveness starts with God, but it doesn't end there. 

In Christ,

Randy