the heart of the matter

several years ago, don henley (of the eagles) released a song called "heart of the matter." the lyrics say, "been trying to get down to the heart of the matter...i think it's about forgiveness." this line has stuck with me all these years because of the complexity of the idea cloaked in the simplicity of the lyric.

i've been thinking about forgiveness a lot lately. in so many events in my life, both past and present, the heart of the matter really has come down to forgiveness. having a forgiving heart can be a most difficult thing; our hurts often block the path to forgiveness. but as a follower of jesus, i realize that it's what i'm called to do. in luke 6:37, i'm told "do not judge, and you will not be judged. do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. forgive, and you will be forgiven." in colossians 3:13, i'm told, "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the lord forgave you." if i am really striving to wear his name and to act as a follower is called to, then i had better get my forgiveness on!

aside from forgiveness being 'the right thing to do' - i know it is also the crux of healing. i think about a quote from alan paton, author of the amazing book cry, the beloved country. he advised that "when a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive." part of my new year's resolution to bring healthy back requires me to really let go of the hurt that has built up inside of me, and forgive those who have trespassed against me. from a holistic point of view, it's the only way to undo some of the stress placed upon my body over the past few years. it may very literally be at the heart of my matter.

so here i go...off to forgive others. or at least try my very best.

blessings to you,
dana