Monday, June 14, 2010

LETTING GO OF RESENTMENTS

I was talking to my Mom ok, really I was venting. Like I usually do just to get stuff off my chest. I am a controlling person if ya'll have not figured it out by now. I like things to flow a certain way: "My Way". When things go wrong or not to my liking I can hold on to that moment forever; which isn't healthy. So, as we where talking she just started pointing out how "resentful" I was towards people and events in my life. I had to concur with her on this: I was. I have been holding on to so much "Negative Energy". It has been blocking my "GREATNESS".

My Mom shared this story with me and I am sharing it with you. I am learning to "Let go and let GOD". Forgiveness in life is key!!!!


There was subtle accusation in his voice. Tempers began to rise. Resentment set in. Before long, a deep and bitter chasm divided the young men. They refused to speak. They finally decided they could no longer work together and a dividing wall was built down the center of the store. For twenty years hostility and bitterness grew, spreading to their families and to the community.

Then one day a man in an automobile licensed in another state stopped in front of the store. He walked in and asked the clerk, "How long have you been here?"

The clerk replied that he'd been there all his life. The customer said, "I must share something with you. Twenty years ago I was "riding the rails" and came into this town in a boxcar. I hadn't eaten for three days. I came into this store from the back door and saw a dollar bill on the cash register. I put it in my pocket and walked out. All these years I haven't been able to forget that. I know it wasn't much money, but I had to come back and ask your forgiveness."

The stranger was amazed to see tears well up in the eyes of this middle-aged man. "Would you please go next door and tell that same story to the man in the store?" he said. Then the man was even more amazed to see two middle-aged men, who looked very much alike, embracing each other and weeping together in the front of the store.

After twenty years, the brokenness was mended. The wall of resentment that divided them came down.

It is so often the little things that finally divide people- words spoken in haste; criticisms; accusations; resentments. And once divided, they may never come together again.

The solution, of course, is to let it go. There is really nothing particularly profound about learning to let go of little resentments. But for fulfilling and lasting relationships, letting them go is a must. Refuse to carry around bitterness and you may be surprised at how much energy you have left for building bonds with those you love.

--- Author Unknown