There's nothing like meeting someone who has really faced adversity, I mean real adversity, not the insignificant crap we all whine about, to help you put things in perspective. Today, I found myself in a unique position. I attended a luncheon where the guest speaker was a young man named Patrick Knight. Patrick is an attorney, a former president of the Coconut Grove Jaycees, and an all-around nice guy. He was also the victim of a terrible crime last Thanksgiving - one you undoubtedly heard about.
When I found out he would be our speaker,I wasn't sure I could handle it. I am a sentimental and emotional individual and his story is an emotional one. (I will not go into details here.)
I ran into someone at the breakfast whom I hadn't spoken to in a while. Since he fired me, as a matter of fact. The circumstances of my dismissal are irrelevant, but I can say I felt betrayed, hurt, and angry. I said hi to my former boss and we chatted. As it turned out, I sat next to him during the lunch. I had decided a while back that I had forgiven him but I didn't know how I would react when I saw him. I felt no anger, no resentment. When I told him how things are going I told him they were great and I meant it. He told me things weren't the same without me at the office. I smiled. He told me he hadn't been able to replace me. I reminded him that he never would. I am irreplaceable. Someone else could do my own job (not nearly as well as I did it) and they can sit at my old desk (not looking quite as good as I did) but there can never be another me.
I guess God afforded me a unique opportunity to confront what used to be a painful part of my past and compare it to a real challenge. I know now I never had anything to complain about. My life was never bad. I just hit a speed bump.
Today's Lessons:
- Living well is the best revenge.
- When you don't forgive someone who has hurt you, you only hurt yourself. They can't feel your anger, it doesn't hold them back. It only hurts you. Let it go.
- Friends are hard to find, but enemies are hard to lose. Make the better choice and be a friend to everyone.
Today's Declarations:
- Day by day in every way I am getting better and better.
- I will embrace my enemies (perceived or otherwise.)
- I will love everyone.
Today I regained a friend. We're not moving in together or anything, but it was nice to bury the past and leave it where it belongs.
Make it your best day yet. God bless you.
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