UNFINISHED BUSINESS

This morning has started out picture perfect. There has been that awesome red sky off to the east heralding the beginning of a new and beautiful day. I am even enjoying the constant presence of my five furry friends as their cumulative warmth is indeed welcome this morning. They even smell good, thanks to the hour or so we spent closed up in the little bathroom Tuesday afternoon. After their baths I sprayed them with a doggie freshener that smells like baby powder, so they have that wonderful newborn smell emanating from their soft, white, newly fluffy fur. I have plans with my mom and sister to have lunch and visit a dear friend, so I'm really looking forward to the day. Maybe my children will even come tonight for supper, we'll see.

It seems everywhere I turn these days, I am constantly reminded about the topic of reconciliation. I wrote last time that I had led a program at my UMW meeting last week. I was again reminded of it in the Upperroom reading for Sunday. I think I may have mentioned that it is actually an underlying theme of my life. When I see or hear of breakdowns between families, friends or others, I have the strangest, strongest feeling to get in there and show them the path to reconciliation with their loved ones. I am often so frustrated when hearing how people can be so stubborn and stiff necked once they feel wronged and waste so much time and energy wanting their story vindicated that they miss the opportunities to simply mend the rift that allows genuine healing, not only for them, but for everyone concerned. Sunday's Upperroom story about the individuals involved in brutal killings in Rwanda illustrates how sincere confession and apology coupled with true forgiveness can heal, not only hurting families, but ultimately a nation.

The most recent news item that brings this topic of reconciliation to mind is the story Penn State and the sex scandal involving one of its defensive coordinators. It seems this man allegedly abused young boys through his program that helped at risk young kids. When an apparent abusive act was reported to Coach Joe Paterno, he then reported the act to the administration, but the alleged abusive act was never handed over to the police. Apparently, those who were aware of this crime felt that it was better covered and buried than brought out into the open and handled properly. Because Coach Paterno did not follow up and insure the future safety of the youngsters in this coach's program, the abuses continued for years undetected. Now that it has all been brought to light this storied football coach who has lived atop a pedestal of adoration for many years is being forced to retire in apparent shame. From my vantage point, I can see that he needs to seek out each and every one of the families who were involved in this sad event and admit his individual wrong doing and apologize from his whole being. Nothing short of this will bring him and all those concerned an opportunity for full forgiveness and healing, for his part, at least.

Well, we have a busy day planned. I'm looking forward to a weekend of football games on TV, that is unless anyone going to Nashville for the UK/Vanderbilt game could squeeze me in. I have high hopes, not only for UK, but also for the Bengals against the Steelers and I'm also gonna be rooting for Tim Tebow and his Broncos. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan