I’ve had my share of misfortunes in life with a few broken bones to prove it. My tail bone, left wrist, right ankle, pinky finger, three toes, and some ribs have all been broken, and believe it or not, each of these injuries occurred during separate accidents.
My misadventures took place years ago, but I still have painful reminders of them to this day. When drastic weather changes occur, my frame racks with pain. Arthritis has settled into my bones, causing them to ache. This constant reminder of old injuries helps me remember; I need to be more careful in the future.
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” (Psalm 6:2)
Bones are not the only part of me that aches. My heart pains over emotional injuries experienced in life – both those incurred on myself, and that which I inflicted on others.
I’m saddened to know when I’ve hurt someone. Recently, I learned my actions had caused one of my dear friend’s some heartache. The moment I realized my error, my own heart grew inflamed with pain.
Seeking forgiveness, and at least trying to make amends, I called my friend and asked if we could meet over lunch. Thankfully she agreed. We were finally able to talk openly about the festering wounds leftover from the situation and agreed to forgive and forget. Life is simply too short to fixate on past grievances. We decided to erase the past and embrace the future.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
My heart still stings when I recall this incident, but like broken bones that mend and ache, my pain will serve as a good reminder; I need to be more careful in the future.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)