Love Needs That.

"I believe that God forgives me.  I do not doubt that.  The matter between God and me is closed.  But what about the matter between Eric and me?  For my regrets remain.  What do I do with my God-forgiven regrets?  Maybe some of what I regret doesn't even need forgiving; maybe sometimes I did as well as I could.  Full love isn't always possible in this fallen world of ours.  Still, I regret.

I shall live with them.  I shall accept my regrets as part of my life, to be numbered among my self-inflicted wounds.  But I will not endlessly gaze at them. I shall allow the memories to prod me into doing better with those still living.  And I shall allow them to sharpen the vision and intensify the hope for that Great Day coming when we can all throw ourselves into each other's arms and say, 'I'm sorry.'

The love of God will surely grant us such a day.  Love needs that."
                                                        :: Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son, 65.

Comments

[sanderai]

I'm afraid to read that book. I think I'd cry for four days.

[Josh]

No, Michelle. Five, probably.

[Lindsay]

I sent this book to my dear friend Travis's mom after he committed suicide. Not having words of my own I found that Nicholas Wolterstorff said it better than I ever could. I find that loss is a universal language that allows us to speak into each others wounds.