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My Letter
Dear God,
Hey. It’s me…but, I guess you already know that.
Not feeling too good. I kinda messed up.
Again.
But I guess you already know that too.
I got angry. And depressed. I couldn’t help it God! If people would just have a little integrity, then everything would be fine! So it’s their fault for the TV binge! …and the bagels and cream cheese binge.
You know I hate it when I do that.
Why do I do that God? I seem to go off the rails when circumstances do. Why do I fall into old patterns of behavior whenever something catches me off guard?
You know what…I don’t even have to be caught off guard, it’s like I can just fall into those old patterns for no reason at all! Why is that? I certainly don’t want to. Sometimes I feel like such a failure at this life!
And where were you, by the way? Don’t mean to be disrespectful, but you definitely could have stepped in and kept the whole thing from happening in the first place!
Is there a lesson in here somewhere? ‘Cause I don’t see it!
Why can’t things just work out?
And now I’ve gotten all worked up again.
Sorry God.
At least I made my husband take the bagels and cream cheese to work with him.
So there’s that. That’s good, right?
Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for messing up so much. Sorry for not coming to you first. I’m sorry for getting angry and letting my emotions take over.
Forgive me?
Sincerely,
Me
His Letter
Dear child,
Oh my beloved! You are forgiven!
Now, I am going to tell you something and I want you to pay very close attention. It is important that you grasp this concept because it will help you as you walk through your daily life.
Ready?
You are not perfect.
Got it? Don’t try to be. You will fail, but you are not a failure! Others will fail you, and they are not failures. It is how you respond on these occasions that makes all the difference. Sometimes things happen that are completely out of your control. But I am always, always, always, in control. Always, child. Never forget that. Ok? And things will work out.
You asked me where I was…why I didn’t step in.
I was right there with you, my love! And I did step in.
When the truck came towards you, and didn’t stop, it could have come from your left and hit you on the driver’s side. But it didn’t, it hit on the passenger’s side.
It could have t-boned you right in the middle, but it didn’t, it hit further down on the right.
It could have hit your gas tank, but it didn’t, it just hit your rear panel.
The truck could have ruined your right rear wheel, but it didn’t. Your car is still drivable.
You or the other driver could have been injured. But you weren’t. You’re fine.
So you see beloved, my hand was over everything, protecting you, loving you.
At any given moment, in any given circumstance, you could be happy, sad, angry, indifferent. But your joy does not depend on what is happening to you. Happiness comes and goes. Your joy comes from what is within you. And that’s me, child. I am within you.
And you are deeply loved!
Lamentations 3:21-23
“Call this to mind, and therefore have hope;
My steadfast love never ceases!
My mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
My faithfulness is beyond measure!”
Beloved, you are forgiven! How I wish you would forgive yourself! I am so glad you came to me child! It is what I long for. Shout at me when you are angry. Cry to me when you are depressed. Call out to me for all things! I am always here, I am always in control. Remember, there is always a reason for everything. Be brave my child. “Disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.”*
-God
*Charles Stanley (see Hab. 3:17-19)