Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us (Matthew 6:12; NLT).
Yesterday was a very significant day for me personally. At my church’s Remembrance Day service I was finally able to let go of my bitterness about my mother’s anger, criticism and emotional abuse. As I prayed at our War Memorial, I was able to begin remembering some of the good things she did for me, to my great joy:
- When I was a three-week old baby I caught whooping cough. She sat up with me for days, until I could breathe normally again.
- All the meals she made, the cakes and bread she baked, and the patient way she taught me to make bread.
- All the clean beds, housework and shopping she did.
- She bought three new pans and helped me plan how to cook a roast dinner for two friends on my own.
- The effort she put into making Christmas and birthdays special.
- The country rambles, picnics and holidays we had together.
- She took me to her Scottish Dancing evening class regularly, which was how I learned to dance.
- The money she lent me to help me buy my best violin, an insurance policy, a van, and a house.
- She came to school concerts, and was present when I was presented with my Counselling certificates and my Master’s Degree.
- When I accidentally broke my violin bow, she cycled to school to see my teacher and explain, so I wouldn’t get into trouble.
- When my music teacher got drunk and became sexually suggestive during my A-levels, she contacted the school to ensure he would not be invigilating at any of my exams.
- She was lively and intelligent, and could be very good company.
I am sure I will be remembering more good things about my mother, both great and small, to add to this list for a long time to come.
So, in the light of this big step forward, here is today’s prayer:
Almighty God, thank you for helping me to forgive my mother, to let go of my bitterness about the past, and to begin remembering the many good things she did for me. Wherever she is now, please bless her soul, and bring her into a deeper relationship with your joy and bliss. I ask this through the name of your dear Son. Amen.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted… to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes (Isaiah 61:1-3; NIV).
References
Keep on seeking, and you will find (Luke 11:9; NLT).
Another dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good (Job 21:25; NIV).
Get rid of all bitterness (Ephesians 4:31; NIV).
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