Mercy [Mth 7-Day 28-Post 65]

It’s taking a lot of restraint right now not to apologize to the countless friends and family members that have helped me along my life journey, through the battles of depression and over the mountains and valleys of recovery. I’d like them all to know that their support has mattered, that their patience with my struggles has been greatly appreciated, and that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. I won’t apologize for being where I was mentally, spiritually or physically throughout the years or for the ways I was stuck in the mud and couldn’t seem to will myself out. But I will apologize to anyone I may have forgotten, hurt, been rude to, or left behind. I am sorry for comparing myself to others for whatever reason and for whatever my conclusions were. I had no more a right to judge others and their problems, addictions or opinions than they had a right to judge me while I was in the midst of mine.

What would this world be like if instead of judging people we would start loving people? So they don’t look like you, they don’t dress like you, they don’t raise their children like you, they’re not supposed to. God made us all different. Maybe they’re not making good decisions right now. That’s okay, show them mercy. They’re still on their journey. – Joel Osteen

So many times I’ve wasted irreplaceable minutes and hours wondering if others were judging me, what they were thinking, and why. I know I have mistreated others because I was too blind to see myself from their eyes, unable to hear the words I’d say or how I’d said them. But I am done soaking in guilt for the past; I cannot change the person I was. I can only pay attention to today, who I am, how I speak, how I love. Today I give myself the mercy that God has extended to me. In allowing His mercy to fill my heart, I am able to extend that same mercy to others. They are where they are. And that’s okay.

Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have. Today can be a healthy unusual day for you—and for others—if you take time to give someone a smile…to express a word of kindness…to lend a helping hand to someone in need…to write a note of gratitude…to give a word of encouragement to someone who is temporarily overcome with problems…to share a portion of your material possessions with others. – William Arthur Ward

There have been many times in my 35 years that I have been “temporarily overcome with problems.” Some extended mercy to me, whiles others did not. I am incredibly grateful for those that did. I choose to follow their lead and allow God to use me to bless others, even if it’s just through a smile.

Belief Statement #22:
God orders my steps and the steps of all people on the earth.
I am open at any time to hear His leading, obey, and reach out to anyone in my path.