Last Mother’s Day, my world began to change shape. After listening to a sermon about forgiveness—a message heard many times before—I felt the cracking of my shell.
I went home and called my mother, with whom I had had a difficult relationship since my parents’ divorce. Gloriously, we spent the next 75 minutes talking, crying, and catching up. I had tried previously to forgive her for the disruption in our family, but this time I didn’t have to try—forgiveness was water out of a spigot. Our relationship flourished.
In September, she told me she had been diagnosed with cancer; she had surgery and was embarking on chemotherapy. I was with her in October for her third treatment, and over New Year’s as we waited results of her tests.
There are several things for which I am very grateful: her scan was clear. But, more than anything, I am so thankful that the message of forgiveness finally reached me!

Heather Wilson

Appointed readings for today: Exodus 32:7-14, Psalm 106:6-7, 19-23, John 5:30-47