EYES OF LOVE
"If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him..."  Mark 11:25

      It's time for some changes.  You are never too old and it's never too late to make a fresh start.  Forgive and forget is my plan for a new beginning.

      First I must take inventory and check whether there is anyone I need to forgive.  God is good at reminding me of people I should contact, forgiving them or asking their forgiveness if I have wronged them in any way.

      I do not find this at all easy to do, and, usually God will keep bringing it to mind until I act upon it.  It is a common practice of mine to hang on to wounds.  For some people it is so easy to shrug off offenses--why can't I?

      It is no God's plan for His children to live as hermits.  There is no getting around interacting with all sorts of people while on this planet.   Since we are all human, problems will occur sooner or later.  So, instead of running away from uncomfortable relationships I will ask Jesus to help me through each encounter.

      "Oh Lord, help me learn to live by the principles expressed in this poem You put on my heart:"

                              LEARNING TO SEE THROUGH GOD'S EYES

                              Eyes of love, eyes of compassion
                              Never hold grudges or keeps account
                              Of wrongs done or promises forgotten
                              Ready to forgive and bring healing about

                              Prayerfully seeks the Lord for His guiding hand
                              When the situation looks hopeless and beyond repair
                              Eyes that smile and say, I understand
                              And look for special ways to say, I care

                              Eyes that marvel at the color of an Autumn leaf
                              Always look for something lovely in people around
                              Eyes that console a friend burdened by grief
                              Give assurance God's never-ending love will abound!

                              Oh, Lord!  Help me see through Your eyes of love
                              Show consideration even if I am deep in pain
                              Open my eyes that I may see as my Father above
                              Take my brokenness, fill me with Your light again.