We recently took my son to a cross-country meet at Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville. I knew exactly how

to get there, because my wife and I had gone on a walk there off Hurstbourne Lane a few years ago after

dinner. So, I was quite surprised when my wife eased onto the Gene Snyder Freeway heading toward I-

71. I pointed this out, and she assured me we were going to the right place.

When we got to the park, I was very confused. I knew we had gone on a walk in the park – I

remembered we had gone there on our anniversary, and it was right across the street from the

restaurant! Was I losing it? It turned out to be a simple solution. We were both right! We were just on

the other side of the park.

How many times do you know you’re right? You remember it. You know exactly what happened. You

can go and trace your steps and recall the conversation and where it took place. And how often have

you gone back to that place (by chance or on purpose) and have found out that your memory isn’t as

good as you thought? Things were a little off, and the park was on the other side of the street. Or

perhaps, times have changed, and the park is no longer there!

Sadly, we may choose to withhold forgiveness and hold some grudges when we feel we are the person

that is “right” -- but that’s not what we are asked to do. Paul mentions this several times:

[B]e kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in

Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord

forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians‬ 3:13)

Christmas is coming; and over the next few weeks, we have a chance to connect with people we haven’t

seen in a while, including our families. As I mention that, someone with a past issue is probably coming

to mind. I encourage you to re-evaluate that relationship and issue. Remember that your memory and

your mind unfortunately belong to this world, and both are imperfect as well. Keep that in mind while

trying to be compassionate and forgiving. Your kindness and your grace might be exactly what that

person needs this season.

By Jason Grace

Jason serves at Immanuel with his wife and two kids. He is a software engineering manager.