I am grateful for this devotion that has stuck with me for a week now. I can relate on both sides of forgiveness. I am human. I will hurt others, unintentionally, but because I’m human, sometimes intentionally, as well. I am human. I will be hurt by others, unintentionally, but sometimes intentionally, too:

A word. A slight. A look. A forgotten birthday or anniversary. A piece of gossip about us – it was true, but it didn’t need to be spoken. Things happen to us every day, from minor to major, that could serve as an excuse for vengeance. And each time something hurtful happens, we have a choice to make. Will we be a peacemaker or a revenge seeker? Will we inflame the event with the fire of revenge or will we smother it with the blanket of peace?

Let’s assume you’ve been hurt purposefully. What should you do? God said, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Ezekiel 33:11 Substitute whatever you’re tempted to do in retaliation for the word “death” in that verse and you’ll get God’s counsel on your contemplated course of action. God said that vengeance is His; He will repay. (Romans 12:19) Paul wrote that we are to do everything possible to “live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) When we choose to forgive instead of fight, we become peacemakers.

If you are faced with the choice of seeking peace or seeking vengeance, choose peace and receive the blessing of God. 

The noblest revenge is to forgive. – Thomas Fuller

I am grateful for a man named Drew. He was our seatmate on the flight to Portland, and he was perfect for Annistan – didn’t mind sitting with her at all. We had the best visit, all 3+ hours of the flight.  So much in common, so easy to relate. And to top it off, he promised to pray for us as we began our weekend.

I am grateful for a sleeping child on my lap, oblivious to the noise and turbulence of an airplane.

I am grateful for scribbles on a note pad down deep in my bag.

I am grateful for little cowgirl boots and sticky fingers.

I am grateful for the opportunity to once again watch my daughters laugh with each other. I love these two so much it hurts so hard.

I am grateful to have seen my daughter Katrina at work, making a difference in the lives of children.

I am grateful for the heavenly sounds of five little ones saying, “trick or treat!” at each house on Friday night.

I am grateful for glow sticks and glow bracelets that made five little ones squeal with delight at their own hotel “glow party” on Friday night. Lots of monkeys jumping on the beds, lots of giggles and silliness, lots of warmth in this Ama’s heart.

I am grateful for Bob Goff and Joyce Meyer’s wisdom and insight, grateful for their books to read on the plane, and grateful that I am learning to live under the umbrella of God’s grace and no longer under the  smothering blanket of condemnation and judgment.

I am grateful to have been pulled in multiple directions at the bounce place in Bend, two little girls wanting me to go here and watch them do this and go there and watch them do that…

I am grateful that Parker wanted to sit by me at the pizza place on Sunday.

I am grateful for the opportunity to do Parker and Reilly’s hair on Saturday morning.

I am grateful for Elsa and Anna dresses that make little girls all excited.

I am grateful for little Andrae in his new costume and Batman underwear and cap. His tagline: “I AM Batman!”

I am grateful for my son-in-law Mandrae, who was so concerned with getting his family back together and so thoughtful to have provided us all with a pizza at the airport last night, so that we could eat dinner together one last time before sending me on my way home.

I am grateful for Karissa’s positivity and godly attitude in stressful situations.

I am grateful that my daughter is so concerned with capturing good memories in pictures, because they make the memories that much sweeter. And I am grateful that she felt it was important to include Ama in some of them. This brings tears to my eyes. For years, when the girls were growing up and when the first four grandchildren were born, I was the only one taking pictures, and if we were to have any, it was due to my effort, which meant I was rarely in pictures, and the pictures we did have were not very good. I am grateful for my daughter’s sensitivity and heart.

I am grateful that Zak and Levi were so good at giving attention to all of the kids at the bounce place and in the swimming pool at the hotel. Not one of them was left out of being chased by the growling guys or held in the pool to swim to the other side.

I am grateful for the fun of surprising our Elsas and Annas and Batman with Shirley Temples on Sunday night.

I am grateful that I was able to succeed in renting a van, in taking care of hotels, in not getting us too lost in Portland and beyond, and in taking care of Annistan yesterday in two unknown airports.

I am grateful for blue sparkly plastic Elsa shoes and bright pink furry ear muffs.

I am grateful to have seen diversity in parenting, cultures, styles of living, and just how unique my children really are, but to have also seen how those contrasts just make this family more interesting, and to have seen how these two women come together and appreciate and love each other in spite of and because of their differences.

I am grateful for Anissa’s tears last night as she told me goodbye. I never ever want to forget her forever wave as we walked away until we could no longer see each other.

I am grateful to have walked off the airplane last night in Kansas City to a most welcome sight inside the airport. It meant a lot to have Sam park the car and actually come inside to greet me and help me with my luggage.

I am grateful to be home. Walking in the house and seeing the changes made while I was gone, feeling so loved and cared for – it’s good to be home.