MINIATURE WRITING CHALLENGE #14

In response to Miniature writing challenge #14 with a word/photo prompt Halloween

here is my short poem

Reaching the door bell

I felt the touch of his sight,

cold and piercing night,

bloody fangs, bitter saliva.

You are not home… I will die.

Bench Series: October

autumn_bench

1 Corinthians 13:12

http://bible.com/111/1co.13.4-12.NIV

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

http://bible.com/111/1co.13.4-5.NIV

Don’t keep records

A few months ago, as I was reading through 1 Corinthians, I came to chapter 13. I could almost quote it. I thought I would read it and move on to the next chapter. But for some reason, I decided to write it out—word for word. I felt God impressing me to go slow and take it in. He had something for me. As I wrote it, a phrase took root in my heart: “It keeps no record of wrongs.”

I told God I wasn’t harboring unforgiveness. But you don’t forget, he impressed. “That’s wisdom,” I argued. You don’t forget, he repeated. “I move on.” You don’t forget. He was right. I didn’t forget.

I told myself it wasn’t mean-spirited. I just forgave and moved on. But this passage was telling me I should keep no record. And I realized I had a small list of a few people in my heart. When I worked with them or sat down across the dinner table from them, I had a small list. I remembered. I was cautious in my interactions with them. I had a list. I was so convicted. God was right! I was keeping a record.

I decided that day that everyone was going to receive a clean slate from me. Every interaction, every opportunity, every meeting, every conversation would be a chance to start fresh. I made a list of the people in my life and asked God to help me erase the records I was keeping. I’m sure it won’t be easy, but I’m determined to listen to God’s nudge to wipe those slates clean.

Where are you keeping a record? Who needs a clean slate with you? What would happen if you truly loved those around you and kept no record of wrongs?

Kendra Fleming
North Point Ministries

From my daily Reading plan with Bible App – STAY FIT: Strengthening Your Connection To Jesus (day 26)