The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Forgive and Forget

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher

9 January 2002

I was listening to the radio yesterday and a lady was talking about her secret of her successful marriage.

She said shortly after her marriage there were so many things that her husband would do that irritated her that she was growing more and more resentful each day.

Finally, she said, she decided that she would make a list of ten things that she would forgive him for, no matter what, and see if that improved things.

Since that time, they have both lived a happier life.

Her friend asked her if she would share her list with her and the lady replied:

"Oh, I don't remember what was on my list, but whenever my husband does something that irritates me, I just say to myself, He's a lucky man today, because that is one of the things on my list.'"

The message reminds us of Christ's response to us. No matter how many times we mess up, he still forgives us and keeps us in his love and care.

Sadly enough, around the holidays there are a lot of divorces and separations which probably comes from the extra stress at that time.

When winter hours set in with its shorter days, it is a good time to be more forgiving and possibly find some none threatening activities to do together.

Several of my friends, including our new Editor Shirley and her husband put puzzles together. It's a non competitive way of working on a project that doesn't produce problems.

Well, not too many problems except that Shirley and Gilbert's puzzle has 5000 pieces and requires a 4 x 7 foot piece of plywood to assemble.

In their case, it might be nice to invite some friends and neighbors over to help, otherwise this puzzle might cause a little frustration. I know I worked for an hour one night and only found one piece. I was ready to do dishes or anything else for a break.

Creating a little excitement with some activities of games or puzzles, and remembering to forgive and forget will make your winter days inside not so long, but a time you will remember as a lot of fun.