Ask:
I have to tell you about a really strange situation I was in and ask you what you thought of it.
Background.
I was in a nasty relationship years ago with a person who was both mentally and physically abusive. I won't go into specifics, but it was bad. This person has been going to see my dh play w/ his band and has become a fan. My dh knows pretty much everything about this person and how he treated me.
Stange situation:
My ex sent flowers to my mil while she was in the hospital. It was really nice, but....
Then he showed up at her funeral. I was sitting in church and feeling strangly at ease. I am usually nervous in Catholic churches, I'm not Catholic. I was wondering what on earth I was going to say to my ex. I haven't spoken to him in years and I never forgave him for some of the awful scenes. We ended up in the back of the church right next to one and other and he was crying. I had never seen him show emotion before, ever! I wasn't mad at him anymore, I didn't hate him anymore, I didn't feel anything at all. After, I was able to give him a hug and say, "Thanks for being a good friend to my dh." I talked with his girlfriend, whom I have known for years.
I'm not a forgiving type, I almost don't know what to attribute it to, being older and wiser, was it because we were in church, because I was surrounded by the people that have made my life wonderful, or just the blue moon (second full moon in this month).
Answer:
Sometimes God just lets you let go. I am glad this happened for YOUR sake.
Answer:
Forgiving is not easy, but it sets your free. God helps us with things when we don't even realize He is there.
Answer:
And forgiving is not excusing. You still end up the winner. The higher ground always has a better view, doesn't it?
Answer:
It was time. Time to forgive, time to let go, time to move on.
Answer:
Forgiveness is a great gift. I have some people that it would do me good to forgive, so I am proud of you. Did you see the Oprah yesterday? It was all about forgiveness. I recommend it, if it comes back on again, sometime.
Answer:
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom, but it's comforting to know that SOME good can come out of bad situations. What a great feeling it is to have God life grudges off your shoulders like this. Whatever the reason you felt compelled to forgive your ex., (being in a church, or your emotions were just running high...) just thank God that you were given the opportunity.