Pray and Forgive/Trust and Love

I was reading in Mark today.  The story of the cursed fig tree... which a lot of things about that story really bug me.  But anyway... A couple things that Jesus said really made me think.

In verses 22-25, He said:
"Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."


I can't say about myself that I never doubt, or even that I am trusting or confident.  I'd like to be, but I'm not.  But I'm really hearing in this the importance of going ahead and talking with God about everything anyway.  I think I'm at the point where I would welcome God surprising me... not that it should surprise me when God does something great... just that it would be surprising (to me) if He did something great in answer to *my* prayer.


Also the importance of forgiveness.  A few days ago we had a little altercation with our oldest daughter.  An incident in which she had really sinned against her daddy.  It was really something moving to see how their relationship was restored after she admitted what she had done and accepted discipline.  It is my desire to be so open and clear with God and in all the relationships in my life.  There's a lot of freedom and intimacy in that.  


And not only in asking for forgiveness.   Yes, it's difficult to say you're sorry and ask for forgiveness.  But we can be kind of selfish in that, because we know that we'll feel better afterward.  It's a relief to clear the air.  But forgiving others... I think the key is loving the offender.  If you really love them, you can want them to have that free, clear feeling.  It's important to you that the relationship be restored and that the other person be built back up.  It becomes worth giving up those feelings of justice and retribution you get when you know you've been wronged.


So my prayer:  God teach me how to trust.  And teach me how to really love.  So that you can be glorified and others can receive the grace you've shown me.  Amen.


e.t.a.  There are some people out there who I have done wrong.  Who we (Allen and I) have done wrong.  We've asked for forgiveness (maybe that request was not shared with everyone), and you wouldn't give it.  I just want to let you know on the off chance that you're actually reading this silly blog of mine, that that's ok.  I truly am sorry.  I know we hurt a lot of people.  And we were hurt badly as well.  But I'm letting it go, and I hope you are too.  I loved you guys more than you can know and I wish things had turned out differently.  I hope you're all well and experiencing God's huge grace every day.