Lessons: Grace & Forgiveness (Part 1)

The life lesson I've been consistently faced with has been in forgiveness.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:2-5)

** I wrote most of this post toward the end of February 2012, but I didn't get it finished (then I forgot about it... then I forgot to publish the post... so, here it is a year later!) **

With the return of longer-lasting migraines (well, it was just as hard with the random migraines every few days because of the prodrome and postdrome), I've been unable to keep the apartment very clean. I don't have to have things perfect, but I like things orderly. Things have just gotten completely out of control. Jeremy works all day, and then comes home and takes care of me... so, chores like dusting just get pushed to the side.

My memory has been beyond bad (as I previously discussed in Migraine Brain). Sometimes, I can't remember something long enough to get it written down on a piece of paper right in front of me. I forget to follow-up with family and friends about things happening in their lives. I have trouble doing any sort of cooking, especially if it involves halving or doubling a recipe - thankfully, Jeremy has helped me fix these little mistakes a lot.

The first half of this year is filled with all kinds of events with friends and families (birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, etc...). I've already either cancelled or struggled to get through several, and I HATE it!!! I pretty much missed my nephew's 4th birthday party because of a migraine (I spent the party out in the hall sleeping off my migraine and meds). I really want to be there for family and friends, especially for special events. My sister is getting married in a few months (June 2012), and there are a lot of events between now and then... I want so badly to be there for her through this exciting season (and I will do my best to do so), it's just not all in my hands or ability to control.

I've done some reading online, thinking / reflecting, and praying about grace and forgiveness. It's something that's going to take time and practice, but I'm trying.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day

"There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, / and love for the broken hearts. / There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing / that meets you wherever you are. / Cry out to Jesus"

Lessons Series:

Lessons: Learning the Hard Way (Part 1)
Lessons: Learning the Hard Way (Part 2)
Lessons: From Suffering to Empowered
Lessons: Learning From Life With Chronic Pain
Lessons: Finding Joy

Lessons: Perfectionism (Part 1)
Lessons: Perfectionism (Part 2)
Lessons: Learning to Accept Imperfection (Part 1)
Lessons: Learning to Accept Imperfection (Part 2)
Lessons: Learning to Accept Imperfection (Part 3)
Lessons: Grace & Forgiveness (Part 1)
Lessons: Grace & Forgiveness (Part 2)
Lessons: Grace & Forgiveness (Part 3)

A Quick Update

I haven't posted in two months. Partially because I was busy preparing for, enduring, and recovering from the holidays. I was also very sick for several weeks, following Christmas. I sincerely hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season.

Honestly, I haven't felt like I've had much to say lately, but I'm hoping that the desire and words to write will return soon. In the meantime, I'm going to share a short series (Lessons: Grace & Forgiveness) that I started working on months ago... and actually meant to post back in December.