Something Money Can't Buy

There is so much on my mind and heart right now it's hard for me to decide what I should write about first.  God is doing an amazing work in my life.  It's been bittersweet....to say the least.  In most cases when He purges things from your life it is painful but if you can just hang on long enough you will see that it is for your good and it will bring Him honor and glory.  Over the past few days He has allowed me to see a glimpse of what He has in store for me.  My prayer is I won't give up and will allow Him to continue to make and mold me into what He wants me to be. 

Yesterday was my birthday.  It was the first time since having myklm3 (Kellan, Kyle, and Kennedy) that they all weren't with me to celebrate.  Kellan sings with Beyond The Ashes and wasn't able to come home because they had a concert in Alabama.  He called though and sang "Happy Birthday" to me.  Kennedy worked hard at surprising me by decorating the house with birthday decorations and planning a surprise dinner for me.  I thought just she and I were going to dinner but when we arrived she had arranged for my mom and step-dad, Kyle, and my nephew Duncan to meet us there.  When my step-dad, Kyle, and Duncan are together there is NEVER a dull moment.  I literally laughed until I cried. 

During one point at dinner I sat there and just looked at everyone and thought I am truly blessed.  I have the best family.  My family is a diverse bunch.  We have very conservative Republicans, liberal Democrats, and some who really don't care either way.  We have some who are Baptists, Pentecostal, Contemporary, and some who are not affiliated with a denomination.  We have some who are artistic, musically talented, and an IQ of a genius.  We are loud, opinionated, and love to debate a subject we are passionate about.   We love each other, are loyal to each other, and are there for each other through good times and bad.  We don't care if someone dates someone that is another race, if someone is gay, or if they have been married multiple times.  We accept each other no matter what.  We drive each other insane sometimes but we refuse to be torn apart.  We are a family; I love it, and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. 

I received several gifts and loved each one.  The love and attention that was put into each card and gift was evident.  The best gift I received was one that money cannot buy.  I received the gift of forgiveness from someone that I had wronged.  I won't go into details as it is a private matter but I have to say receiving forgiveness is an amazing feeling.  Several weeks ago I followed God's instruction and apologized for something I had done.  I was told they accepted my apology but the words "I forgive you" wasn’t spoken.  All I could do then was pray that someday they could find it in their heart to forgive me not necessarily for me but for them.  Harboring anger, bitterness, and hatred can destroy someone mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually and keep them in bondage for a long time.  I did not want this person to go through that.  I prayed desperately for weeks that forgiveness would come.  Monday, I received an email with the sweet words of "I forgive you."   I can't begin to tell you how happy it made me.......not just for me but mainly for them.  We both are free now.  Forgiveness is a precious gift and should be cherished.