Some of you may not know why my adventure suddenly presented itself. Well, it kind of started with the desire to knock something off my dream list. The last item from the original list I had created years ago included having a cheetah adventure. My hope was that for my 38th birthday this year I could cross off this dream, a dream I've had since 7th grade. Looking at the prices though for the cheetah adventure in Oregon, it became obvious this trip would be too expensive so I worked on getting resolved to try another time.
A few days later, my best friend's husband called me one afternoon at work and I picked up immediately thinking something might be wrong. Her husband and I hadn't really been on the best terms. What happened, you ask? Well, let's just say that because we are so different in personalities, or most likely so alike, that we have never naturally click. So we talked. Since it's a private conversation, I'll spare the details but during this phone call we made peace and he asked if he could help fly me up to Washington state to surprise his wife for her birthday.
I agreed and by the next day, I had booked the WHOLE trip! Well, I had already been doing research, after all. *grin* Because of all this, not only could I see my best friend, who I had not seen in over 2 years and get to see their new 6 month old baby girl but with the money it saved me, I could also have my cheetah adventure! Go God!!!
Yet, my friends, let me tell you something. As exciting as it all was...I know what made God happiest about the whole situation. It wasn't the surprise for my best friend, or that I'd get to see the baby, or that I'd have a vacation or cheetah encounters. It was the reconciliation. This is what made God smile. You see, I am convinced God is thrilled about the forgiving hearts of others because we are acting as He does...merciful and forgiving.
How about you? Anyone you need to 'bury the hatchet' with in your life? I am not even talking about a grievous sin here...maybe there is someone you are just not fully reconciled with because of something. I'm not promising you a trip of a lifetime because of it but I do know without a doubt it pleases God to have you carry a heart willing to forgive and be at peace with people.
Here are some other verses to encourage you:
Matthew 6:14 & Matthew 6:15
Matthew 18:21-22
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 11:4
Luke 23:34
Below are a few photos from my trip...may they also inspire you to be set free and forgive anywhere there's a need...
