Life is like a big engine. Order, sequence and timing are all important. A machine has to be primed and maintained or its gears will slip, timing will be off and there will be no productivity.

Anger and unforgiveness cause us to loose our vision. The timing slips and ... while the gears are turning ... it is all for naught. In fact, other parts must work overtime just to keep up and finally, failure comes as a whole, not in part. That is when, severely weakened and crippled by internal conflict, we succumb to an external enemy which has been patiently waiting to collect the spoils. Will this be us?

Ever had a problem with forgiveness? That's a hard one to overcome, alone, I mean. I have been dealing with that one lately. It dawned on me this morning (yes, His mercy is new every morning) what a big part I play. I routinely set traps for myself. No wait, let me clarify. I set them for others but I am usually the dumbo who stumbles in.

So this morning as I drank my first cup of coffee and "re-hearsed" my grievances, I also thought about this game I was playing with God. How many times will I send that spiritual hearse out to bury an offence in his graveyard of Grace, just to call it back again? Each time we "re-hearse" the things which should be forgiven, that little spiritual hearse has to go retrieve it and bring it back. You know, it starts stinking after a while ... but we still want it back. Why?

It dawned on me. I should let go of this because God's Word says we should let go and trust Him with these things. According to scripture, our enemy Satan wishes to destroy us by robbing us of our peace. This is one of his favorite strategies. So I thought. For God's sake Sharon, forgive and let go. Don't let the enemy of your soul steal your peace any more. This is an affront to God and a stupid move on your part. Can't you see what you are doing? Surprise, surprise ... I finally saw it!

I called in God's dump truck. It's a little more intimidating. I am less likely to call it back. I am putting, "the remains" of my grievances and offences into that truck and sending them off for good. Yes, for good! Take them God. I don't want them back. And thank you for providing free curb service ...