Thursday, May 21, 2009

i forgive you- do you forgive me?

Lately my heart has felt hard and closed. A tender heart is hard to come by, and it takes work to not let life's experiences creep in and harden you towards others. This morning while driving to school I was listening to an NPR interview with Diane Reams and Elizabeth Edwards. I know, everyone has 1 million opinions on her life and marriage but say what you want about Elizabeth- her comments really touched me. These feelings led to me recognize the need for forgiveness in my life. I give a lot and therefore I expect a lot and sometimes I expect too much. Do you ever do that? I have found that as a result I will foster bitterness and hurt and more resentment then the other persons actions ever warranted. When I heard Elizabeth talk about moving past the faults of others I could see how forgiveness leads to a calmer peace of mind. Sometimes when I want to forgive someone I write them a letter and fill it with how my heart really feels. I then tuck the letter away and ask Heavenly Father to tuck my bad feelings away with that letter. It works so well. I have not been writing enough letters lately. I'm going to get on that.

8 comments:

m.m. said...

i've seen a few interviews with elizabeth edwards lately, and i have to tell you, i've been really impressed by her. she seems like a very kind, resilient, and strong woman. thanks for the good reminder.

J & J said...

i can relate with you on so many levels. i watched elizabeth on oprah and was amazed at how composed and peaceful she looked and acted. she was really sincere, and i felt really influenced by her. you are amazing andrea. while you might expect to much out of others and now you want to give them a break, don't forget to give yourself a break too. you are human. and you are a beautiful human. and i love you.

mgfaulkner said...

andrea, you are so darling. and cher loves you too.

mgfaulkner said...

you are darling and cher loves you too

Steve and Jen said...

Oh my eloquent SIL, you keep up these MOVING posts! Yes, totally agree with the forgiving thing!
I have HIGH expectations too (FOR SOME.)
And I'll tell you what lately not only is my heart a little hard, but the neck is a little stiff too!
Yes, forgiveness, but the forgetting is HARD! And, especially for some who are O F T E N offending me.
I need to be more tender hearted LIKE YOU!

Trent & Brooke said...

love this post andrea. i found your blog through ali's and i'm going to add it to my list. i would love to keep in touch!
i have always seen you as a very giving, sincere person- and i really admire you for that!

Breanne King said...

andi i thought the same thing when i saw her on oprah. and i love your letter idea. maybe i should write letters and put them away too. eddie thinks i have too high of expectations for people and then when people dont meet those expectations i get really hurt...which comes in the form of anger...opps

Steve and Jen said...

Did you guess who this comment was from? Did you know that we think you are WONDERFUL? Thanks for letting us barge in on your Flaming busy Sat. :-)