I recently gave approbation to something I believe, but also learned something very valuable. It's a difficult thing to write about, but it's important to share because many of us have probably experienced a similar situation or might in the future.
When I wrote Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place, I noted the importance of forgiveness - for both the one who forgives as well as the one who is forgiven. I also noted that people who see themselves as victims cannot see beyond themselves, and can do little to make this world a better place for others. A recent event resulted in that approbation.
A longtime friend sees herself as a victim of many things, and in the process said some unjust, judgmental things to me meant to be hurtful with no care for the truth. It was difficult not to be angry and it agonized me for almost every waking hour, but I did what I was supposed to do - I prayed.
I prayed for almost a week that God would help me to forgive, and then the most remarkable thing occurred. I finally saw this person's view of the world! I didn't agree with it, but it allowed me to replace being upset with feeling compassion. I finally started praying for that person instead of asking help for ME to forgive.
I don't know if the friendship can ever be restored, but I'm going to leave that in God's hands. I'm also praying that the person gets the help she needs to function successfully in this world, but I am ever so grateful that God gave me the tools to cope with this and any other difficult situation that life sends my way.
