NOVEMBER 2, Colossians 3:13

“We’re going to clean your room, Matt,” Mom announced one afternoon. “Right now.” “Oh, Mom,” Matt protested, “do we have to?”

“Yes, we do.” Mom took cleaning supplies from the utility closet. In Matt’s bedroom she handed him a large, black garbage bag. “Start with the things under the bed. Throw away everything you do not absolutely have to keep.”

Mom started with the closet and quickly filled a basket with clothes Matt had outgrown. Matt pulled things from under the bed and put a few into the garbage bag, but he piled most of them beside him. He looked at some tattered game cards. “The last time we played this game, Jason cheated,” he said. “I’m not going to play with him anymore.”

“Jason said he was sorry, Matt,” Mom reminded him. “You need to forget the times people disappoint you. Throw those memories away and remember the good times you had with him. You…”The sound of the phone ringing interrupted her.

“That was Grandma,” said Mom after answering the phone. “She wants us to go there for Grandpa’s birthday dinner, but she invited Aunt Cindy’s family too. She should remember that we don’t spend time with them anymore. We haven’t since Uncle Charles lost his temper and ruined the day for everyone.” Mom knelt beside Matt’s keep pile. “Son, you’ve got to learn what to keep and what to throw away!” she exclaimed. “This junk is making a disaster zone out of your room. You’ve got to get rid of more of this stuff !”

Matt grinned.“Mom, you have to learn to throw things away, too,like bad memories. They make life a disaster zone,” he said. “Uncle Charles did apologise, you know, so if you’ll forgive Uncle Charles, I’ll take your advice and forgive Jason too.”

Mom was startled, but after a moment, she reached around the pile of stuff and hugged Matt. “I’ll call Grandma and tell her we’ll be there,” she said, getting up. “Then I will call Jason and invite him over,” said Matt. “When he comes, we’ll play this game if I can find all of the cards.” He reached under the bed to search for them.

Thought: Do you hang onto bad memories? Learn to forgive!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to forgive others just as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.