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vacuum cleaner 750AT

Do you have any forgiveness blockages?

Jane Walters has discovered a hidden blockage in her vacuum cleaner, which needed to be removed.

I had something of a revelation the other day. I’d been hoovering up after putting up the Christmas tree (I swear my elderly artificial one drops more “needles” than any Norway spruce…) and noticed that I was leaving a trail of debris behind me. Despite my relative inexperience in using a vacuum cleaner, I knew how to release the canister and duly shook the contents into the kitchen bin.
 
Believing I was done, I was surprised to see a ball of fluff and bits still in there, but higher up. I was even more surprised to find a second release catch which revealed a quantity of stuff that far exceeded the original haul. I thought I’d emptied it properly the first time. I was wrong; and, as ever, such things have got me thinking. 
 
Recently, our midweek home-group meeting focussed on forgiveness, following a sermon the previous week. We looked up the Bible passages and had our discussion; we prayed and went our separate ways. As I walked home, I couldn’t help but search my heart for any lingering resentments I might have been holding against people that had hurt me. By the time I was back indoors, I realised I had some work to do. 
 
The Bible is pretty clear about our need to forgive. God says that He won’t forgive our sins unless we forgive other people. That’s always been a strong enough reason for me. If God doesn’t forgive me, I’m in trouble!
 
But as I prayed the following morning, it was like discovering that ‘hidden’ compartment of my hoover. I thought I’d forgiven – even remembered saying the words – but the job wasn’t complete. I was holding onto a backlog of offences that might have been hidden away but nevertheless were clogging my pipes, so to speak. 
 
forgiveness 750pbPerhaps you’re thinking that this is a funny time of year to be talking about forgiveness – after all, our minds are pretty pre-occupied right now with Christmas shopping lists and preparations. But this is traditionally billed as the season of peace and goodwill – surely easier to achieve when we’re not harbouring resentment towards others?
 
It won’t be long before we’ll be coming up with some New Year’s resolutions, but we don’t have to wait until then. As you write your Christmas cards, ask God to show you if there’s any clearing out you need to do in that relationship. What can you let go of in order for peace to reign?
 
Forgiveness might be the best gift you can offer.
 
 
Vacuum cleaner photo is by cottonbro from Pexels

The forgiveness image is from pixabay.com


Jane Walters 175Jane Walters, formerly Clamp, is the author of Too Soon, a mother’s journey through miscarriage (SPCK) and a regular contributor to Premier Radio and UCB. She leads creative writing retreats and is a popular speaker locally and further afield. Visit: janewyattwalters.com

 
 

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Feedback:
Sally Garrod (Guest) 16/12/2021 11:41
Wonderful, Jane. I shall have to empty my Hoover more often! Forgiveness is so underrated, but so refreshing when you do it. Thank you for the inspiration.

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