I knew I would forget this yesterday ~ but I remembered today and that’s what counts. Miriam Pauline is hosting one of my long time favorite memes ~ In Other Words. She has inspired me to go into my archives from my other blogs and add them to my new category ~ In Other Words. Until I get around to that project I felt compelled to participate this week. This week’s quote is from Jonah:
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port.After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.”Jonah 1:3
The story of Jonah has had a tremendous impact in my life and I never tire of reflecting on the basic lesson of forgiveness that God teaches us through Jonah. I have edited a previous post on Jonah and would like to share it with you now.
Several weeks ago I was up in our attic searching for three boxes marked “memories/do not throw away”. Although there are many more up there, the three that made their way down into my home office are the ones that will provide a substantial outline for my as of yet un-named “writing project”.As I begin the task of going backwards to move forwards I find myself recalling the story of Jonah and the whale.How often, during the years of therapy, did I feel like Jonah. Running away from God when he persisted in asking me to forgive. Me being disobedient and replying that “forgiveness is not an option”. I just could not get past the hurt, the need for “emotional” revenge. Then, in recent years, once I let go and actively listened to what God was saying, I was able to work my way back to God as he guided me towards forgiveness. I began the journey of obedience with a willing spirit and sought to understand God’s mercy and patience as it applied to me. Then I began to understand judgment is not mine to make. God’s mercy and patience applies to everyone.
Therefore, relying heavily on the lessons taught through the story of Jonah and the whale I begin another journey. The journey of beginning the adventure of writing about the present through the lens of the past and the past through the lens of the present.
As I continue to move forward I must remember to be faithful to:
- be obedient to what God is asking me to do
- be diligent that what I do holds up to God’s standards.
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Great post. I thought you might be interested in this about modern day Jonahites
http://www.caribooponderer.com/2007/01/jonah-and-rosa.html
I’m so glad you reposted this. It is true that the real strength of the Jonah story is forgiveness in the face of disobedience–for Jonah when he didn’t want to share and for Ninevah when they repented of their evil ways. In making those first steps of obedience, we are able to embrace forgiveness. Hugs, my friend. Thank you for participating in IOW.