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Spiritual Maturity by Sylvie Malaborsa

THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS

One of the most difficult endeavours to accomplish in life must be to forgive. Yet, as John the Evangelist wrote: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:19)

An acquaintance recently related to me a stressful episode that occurred five years ago. After the loss of her permanent employment, she was unable to find work despite tardy but vigorous searching. Her rental fees had been late since early fall, she had no money for the November payment, which was almost three weeks overdue and had no idea how the last month of the year would be acquitted. To make matters worse, the duplex was changing ownership and the real estate agent, to whom the landlady had complained, was pressuring her. Fearing the sale of the house might be jeopardized, she gave her a few days to come up with the money. She cautioned the new proprietor had the right to evict her before Christmas if she did not fulfill her responsibilities.  (…)

Life’s Little Secrets by Jeannette Brimner

Finding Joy in Life

Lately I have experienced frustration, and impatience. One source of distress has been our new dishwasher which began leaking a month ago. It has not been repaired because the new liner is on backorder, so every time it’s used we put a towel down to soak up the rinse water as it spews onto the floor.

Yet I have so many blessings which I often take for granted.  I am reading a book called “One Thousand Gifts,” by Ann Voskamp. She lives on a farm with her husband and six children and she has decided to  write down a thousand things she is thankful for. Her inspiring words have alerted me to all the gifts around us that reflect God’s glory such as the blue jays, cardinals and finches flitting from tree to tree at a summer place up north. (…)