Wherever We Land

There was a time when I would hold on to hurt far longer than I should have. When someone wronged me, I carried that weight with me as if it gave me strength, when in reality it only drained me of peace. But the truth is, holding a grudge is not the Lord’s will. His Word calls us to forgive, just as He has forgiven us.

When I think about forgiveness, I realize it isn’t about excusing someone’s wrong—it’s about freeing myself from bitterness. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:32 (KJV), “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” If God can forgive me of all my sins, how can I justify holding on to anger toward someone else?

What has helped me most in learning this lesson is stepping outside into God’s creation. Whether Snatcher and I are on a camping trip, walking a trail, or just sitting quietly by a stream, I find myself looking at the bigger picture. Surrounded by mountains, trees, or the steady rhythm of the ocean waves, I realize how small my problems truly are compared to God’s vast creation. Life is too short, and the beauty of His world is too great, to spend time clinging to grudges.

When I scan the horizon during a sunset or hear the wind moving through the leaves, I’m reminded that every day is a gift. The time I spend holding bitterness in my heart is time wasted—a day that could have been filled with joy, love, and peace. Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt, but it does mean trusting God to handle justice and allowing myself to live freely in His grace.

The next time I feel wronged, I pray I remember the lessons God has shown me in the quiet of His creation. Forgiveness brings peace, and peace allows me to fully enjoy the life He has blessed me with.

Closing Reflection
If you find yourself holding on to a grudge, I encourage you to step outside this week. Take a walk in the park, sit by a lake, or simply watch the sky as the clouds move. Breathe in the fresh air and remember the greatness of God’s creation. Life is a fleeting moment, too precious to waste on bitterness. Hand those grudges over to God, forgive as He has forgiven you, and experience the peace that only comes through His will.