You’re right, Deanna, that it takes two to reconcile. One person can cause a break-up, but it takes two to bring it back together. That’s one reason I appreciate Romans 12:18 so much:

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

The “if possible” sets us free from carrying guilt for reconciliations that we can’t force to happen on our own.

One of the hardest parts for me about forgiveness is trying to forgive (of sorts) *systems* of injustice—institutions and cultural opinions that we can’t put a single face to, but that we know have done people wrong. Forgiveness is definitely one of the most difficult things to work out.

Adele’s voice moves me every time too. Such amazing strength!

You bring up a good point, Jean–sometimes (oftentimes?) WE are the ones doing the hurting, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and we are the ones who need to ask forgiveness. And yes, it’s especially sad when people can’t even remember why they don’t like each other anymore; they just know they don’t.

Lord, have mercy on all of us to humble ourselves more often, whether we think we were wronged or in the wrong.

Hello is one of my favorite songs. It makes me weepy almost every time I listen to it and yet I am drawn to listen to it on a loop. Adele has a beautiful, passionate and emotional/meaningful voice.

Good for you in knowing when it was time to walk away. There are toxic relationships that cause more harm than good. Maybe one day this person will turn it around and drop the judgmentalism and that could change everything again.

If we don’t all have someone to reconcile with now, we have in the past, and will in the future. It seems to be part of the human condition. And I promise I’m not needling. 🙂

Thanks for your prayers, Dolly. I’ll ask Walter next time I see him if he’s had any more contact with his kids. I’d love to hear an affirmative answer that the situation is improving. God still does miracles….