“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” —Nelson Mandela
It was a wintery mix of
storms where accumulations mounted beyond expectations. New York City and most
of the Northeast was at a standstill. When
I was preparing to travel to South Africa for the first time almost every plan
I had to shop was derailed by epic snowfall. It was also due to a cancellation
in the group I was traveling with that I received an invitation to go, but had less
than 72 hours to prepare for the journey. I gathered myself to travel to a
region making remarkable historic progress in the fight against apartheid working
then with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aim of national
unity. This visit opened my world-view with a first-hand global experience of fellowship,
faith and social justice.
Traveling teaches you
about patience. We experienced significant delays that some would see as a setback, but I
was overwhelmed by joy and excitement we were on a journey. We spent 14 hours in the airport so I
bought and read Mandela’s autobiography Long
Walk to Freedom. I had intriguing conversations with others traveling as
well as strangers and yes, I prayed for strength on the journey. By the time we boarded the plane leaving snow
on the ground for a more than 16-hour flight to land in the summer climate of
South Africa with a 7-hour time difference, I was ready for what was to be an unforgettable
time.
As I reflect on this
season of Advent in the wake of the death Nelson Mandela, I remember this trip that shaped my understanding of the empowering gift of forgiveness, which enables healing and reconciliation. As
you gather to exchange presents, share meals and fellowship consider the work
of giving and receiving forgiveness with those in your life. In the spirit of
Advent with prayer, hope and expectation note the following:
·
Reconciliation begins with self-examination.
·
Repairing broken relationships is not an easy work, but
worthwhile for wellbeing within families, communities and ourselves.
·
Those who practice forgiveness will experience reward.
Bear with each other and forgive
whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Let
us pray for empowering relationships that enable love while relieving pain and
suffering in a world where we all need forgiveness to work in our lives.
Repost at "This Is Your Wake Up Call" with Bishop Vashti McKenzie.
