What I learned in the school of life today

Sacramento, New Mexico, 2009 (Brian Blank)

Jesus forgave me, unconditionally. * * *
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."


Paradoxically, there is freedom in forgiveness.  Even when it feels like the hardest thing to do.  
John 8:36 "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed."


Jesus wants me to forgive others, conditionally.
Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."


I am stubborn. I don't like "giving in."  I am a work in progress.
Philippians 1:6 "And I am certain that God, who began a good work in you, will continue His work until finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."


I don't like asking for forgiveness, and I'm often even slower to forgive others. Despite what Jesus has done for me.
Matthew 18:21 - 22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."


* * * Would you believe I learned all of this - in Spanish - from my sweet friend, Flor, over a chai tea in an upstairs break room of Bagelman's while the sun was setting over San Jose in the window behind us.  Gracias, amiga.  Te quiero mucho. Nunca yo he conocido una persona como ti, pero tu eres un gran bendicion en mi vida!