The Poison of Unforgiveness

Well my friends, it has been a busy week!  In the past week Oak Ranch has seen quite a bit of change both at the barn and in the cottages.  We have one new young man who has a good head on his shoulders and knows exactly what he has to do to reach his goals of going home.  One of our girls has made it back safely and another has left us on uneasy terms with the hopes of returning.  The barn has turned into a nursery with our 10 chicks, calf and the addition of 5 kittens.  Thankfully only one of those gets a bottle and the others are maintaining themselves just fine :).

Yesterday was our new young man's first day of horseback riding.  Let me tell you that when you have motivation, positive attitude and a willing heart these will take you far.  Not only was he a quick learner but well mannered and encouraging.  On his first day he was able to take our stubborn beginner horse over obstacles and keep up with the pace of the group.  I cannot wait to see what he will be able to do in the coming weeks!

One of the things that I have been trying to get across to all of the young people around me is the peace that comes from forgiveness.  Feeling the loss of pain that I could never fully understand has left many of them broken, bitter and closed off from the world.  This all leads to frustration, anger and resentment which they apply to all parts of your life.  In one breath I want to say "I don't blame ya!" but in the other I know that in this situation God is their hope and forgiveness is key.  Unforgiveness only hurts yourself not the other person so why should they keep us from living a full life?  Afterall, unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die...it just doesn't help you any.  I think what this all boils down to is that each of them has to decide for themselves what's worth more to them...the life they could have or the life they have had. 

The Bible teaches us to first pray that His will be done in all situations, after that we are to pray for any needs we may have.  We then reach a portion of the pray that many of us seem to forget about or gloss over and move onto the protection part of our prayer.  You see, Jesus teaches us that we must pray for forgiveness but only as we have forgiven others.  It's an interesting little catch there. 

Please pray for each of the students we have and the situations they are in.  Pray for safe keeping and that their needs are met and most importantly that God's will be done.  Pray that they are able to forgive the people in their life who have done wrong and allow them to move forward and pray for the families who must also do the same. 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever.

Amen.