In spite of all the recent rain, one of our water butts is still mostly empty! Why? What is wrong? One brief look suggests that the gutter is so full of leaves, that the gutter is blocked! It lies under one of the oak trees, and I must get it cleared AGAIN! How annoying that having done a good clearing job 4 weeks ago, I have to repeat the process.
But most of our lives are made up of repeating basic processes - waking up, getting up, having breakfast, getting dressed and so on. (you can see how far I have got this morning)
I note that it is easy for us to find that some of our relationships and channels of communication get blocked - for any number of reasons. I am not sure what the equivalent of the overhanging oak tree might be (answers on a postcard, or by email!).
St. Paul knew how easy it was for relationships to go sour, and he gave wonderfully helpful advice about how we should sort things out. 'Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.' (Colossians 3.12-17)
There is so much wise common sense here - particularly Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Too often, we may feel offended by what has been said or not said by someone, and we easily jump to conclusions - often by our failure to listen carefully. All this leads to blocked relationships - and the simple and oft-repeated answer is to forgive, as the Lord has forgiven us.
I am going to work at this today, and trust the Lord to help me to get important relationships unblocked.
Best wishes,
Richard
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