August 23, 2009:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Forgive and Forget?”

            I have shared with you before my appreciation of two thoughtful spiritual guides on the west coast, Gary and Miriam Barckert.  In two recent letters they shared helpful thoughts on the theme of betrayal by someone we have trusted.  They have learned  -  as have many of us  -  that betrayal cannot quickly be erased.  Nor, perhaps, should it be.  Forgiveness is a process, not a quick decision.  In their current newsletter, Gary and Miriam shared these wise words.

“After our initial shock and disconnecting, we find this unwelcome stranger lingers with varying intensity. We will not be friends, but we will be intimate companions.

In order to move from resistance to rest we need a profound pause.

Betrayal cannot be erased as though it never occurred.  Deep physical injury requires significant time to heal; so does betrayal.

Purifying and new insight can’t be hurried.  Wisdom that heals comes slowly.  It is costly, requiring complete truthfulness and a willing spirit.  It’s a bit like learning to breathe all over again.

You can’t speak peace “magically” into existence nor “will” it into reality.  But if you pause you’ll likely have an awakening on this journey and discover that you are in peace.

“For My Friends” by Kim Stafford resonates with the poetry of Psalm 23 in suggesting some ways to pause and reconnect.

“. . . Friends, our work is clear -

to hear the sound where water moves;

to measure the mountains with our feet;

to seek the mouse in meadows when the dew is on;

to know each huckleberry with the tongue -

leave our blunders, seek new wonders . . .”

“My peace I give you.”  Jesus

Warm regards,

Gary & Miriam Barckert”

Love,  Pastor Dave