I met my wife-to-be during my first year as a French teacher at Walla Walls
College. Princess, my Siamese cat wasn't too impressed, but then who asks one's
cat permission to date? A few months into the semester, some friends of mine
from Seattle invited my wife-to-be and I over for a few days. They didn't invite
my cat, however. Big mistake!
The night before we were to leave, I told Princess about my weekend plans,
assuring her that she would be left in the care of my roommate and would be well
cared for while I was away. I was feeding her at the time, and she resolutely
stopped eating, stood up, turned around, and sat back down with her back to me
and her tail swishing back and forth in displeasure.
Strange!
I walked around and faced her again, but as soon as she saw my face, she turned
her back on me again. I tried it several times with the same results! It was
clear she was upset with me!
Princess was in the habit of sleeping on my bed at night, but that night she
refused, and in the middle of the night, I was awakened by a foul smell! I
turned the lights on to discover that Princess had used the foot of my bed as a
litter box!
Princess must have forgiven me while we were away, because she was sure glad to
see me when I got back. She wouldn't stop purring and rubbing her head against
my legs, and she made sure she kept me in sight all the time.
I suppose, in her eyes, it was a wonder she forgave me at all. From her
perspective, the crime had been pretty heinous. After all, hadn't I always
brought her everywhere with me before? Even to see Old Faithful in Yellowstone
Park? Hadn't she traveled with me all over the United States? She must have felt
really rejected that she couldn't be part of my life in this activity.
How often don't we, as humans, hold onto our hurts from the past? Just talking
about events, ones that sometimes happened years earlier, makes our blood boil.
The fact is that when we don't forgive, we hurt ourselves more than the one who
offended us. Is it worth it to hold onto grudges that will eventually make us
sick? To keep ourselves locked up in our prison of unforgiveness?
The good news is, there IS a way out: To forgive the way Jesus forgave-"Forgive
as the Lord forgave you." (Col. 3:13 NIV) He loved us so much that He willingly
died for our sins, and He can give us the same power to forgive those who have
hurt us. Forgiveness is just one step away. Ask Jesus for His help, and He will
empower you to be set free! "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free
indeed." (John 8:36 NIV)
Imprisoned or set free. The choice is ours.
Going away for the weekend? Don't tell my little Princess!
Rob Chaffart
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