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June 2009
CAROL’S CORNER
I stood smack dab in the center of this massive, gutted-out building with its blackened and pock-marked walls. The wind whipped around me as I gazed up towards what was once the ceiling and saw only the blue of the sky. The masterful craftsmanship of the walls (which were about 100 feet in height) were lined with extensive, arched windows that once had contained intricate panels of multi-colored glass.
The horrors of World War II had left its ugly mark on Coventry Cathedral – at one time one of the largest cathedrals in England. Pigeons and doves foraged along the pebbled ground that used to be the inner sanctum of this centuries-old church. England’s ever-lush foliage was not denied access to this sacred place; even so, the greenery had the look of being well tended. Simple, wooden benches were spaced comfortably apart along the sides of the stone walls offering up the invitation to passersby to “sit a spell.” The bell tower was the only part of the structure that remained intact. If a person was willing to climb the 180 circular stairs to reach the top of the tower, one was rewarded with a spectacular view of Coventry, England.
Adjacent to this marred cathedral was a new structure that was as large, if not larger, than the original. Following World War II, the congregation of this church decided not to tear down the partially-destroyed house of worship. Instead, they built a new church and turned the damaged cathedral into a memorial. There are several modest memorial plaques and statues claiming what the sole purpose is for this bombed-out shell of a building: 1) to remind all of humanity what we are capable of doing to each other, and 2) to encourage humankind to strive towards reconciliation among nations; between each other; and with ourselves. The Lord’s presence was so vivid to me that I felt as if I was standing on holy ground.
During the turbulent 60’s, there was a song which contained the phrase: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Those words came to mind as I stood in this sacred place. I have no control over how others choose to behave, whether it be my next-door neighbor or the leaders of our country; but I do have the decision about my own conduct. There are many issues and ideas in life that are worth the effort of a confrontation and a battle of wits. However, I would venture to guess that a good portion of what we as individuals get riled-up about on a daily basis are over nothing more than petty differences and annoyances. Is that worth the conflict? Probably not. Peace really does begin with each one of us.
The definition for reconciliation is: to restore to friendship; to be consistent; to adjust to the differences. Peace is defined as: freedom from disturbance or agitation; state of reconciliation after strife or enmity; freedom from mental agitation or anxiety. The two obviously go hand-in-hand. We cannot have one without the other.
Forgiveness has to be the first step, and it is oftentimes a most difficult one to take. But like many things in life, this action can become a habit or discipline. We can learn the gracious art of granting pardon to those who have offended, whether it be a big or small transgression. It is an act which we must do for ourselves – for our own inner peace and harmony. An unwillingness to extend mercy to another person or persons causes more harm to us than to those with whom we are irritated. It is a state of heart that brings spiritual discontent and anxiety – a condition that is in direct contrast to what the Lord would have us experience. The act of forgiving is not something which can easily be done on our own. The process is better aided if we invite the Holy Spirit to help us peel away each layer of resentment, bitterness, or strife. This may very well take a bit of time and effort; but in the long run, it will be well worth the undertaking.
During the course of my life, I have experienced a few situations when I have either asked for forgiveness or have exhibited the willingness to patch up a relationship; but for whatever reason, reconciliation has not been acceptable to the other person. Bottom line, we cannot force another person’s hand. However, if we can stand before the Lord and honestly say that we have done our best to bring about harmony with another – but the other party was unwilling to do the same – the gift of Christ’s peace and restoration can still be ours. Through Christ and His mercy, we may experience the joy and freedom that only forgiveness towards others and ourselves can bring.
When it gets down to it, we have a small corner of the world in which we function on a daily basis. Peace has a ripple effect. If we practice mercy and grace towards others, perhaps they in turn will choose to extend the same to others. It is our choice, and ours alone.
Our actions and attitudes do make a difference.
~ Carol Hovland-Mitchell
I stood smack dab in the center of this massive, gutted-out building with its blackened and pock-marked walls. The wind whipped around me as I gazed up towards what was once the ceiling and saw only the blue of the sky. The masterful craftsmanship of the walls (which were about 100 feet in height) were lined with extensive, arched windows that once had contained intricate panels of multi-colored glass.
The horrors of World War II had left its ugly mark on Coventry Cathedral – at one time one of the largest cathedrals in England. Pigeons and doves foraged along the pebbled ground that used to be the inner sanctum of this centuries-old church. England’s ever-lush foliage was not denied access to this sacred place; even so, the greenery had the look of being well tended. Simple, wooden benches were spaced comfortably apart along the sides of the stone walls offering up the invitation to passersby to “sit a spell.” The bell tower was the only part of the structure that remained intact. If a person was willing to climb the 180 circular stairs to reach the top of the tower, one was rewarded with a spectacular view of Coventry, England.
Adjacent to this marred cathedral was a new structure that was as large, if not larger, than the original. Following World War II, the congregation of this church decided not to tear down the partially-destroyed house of worship. Instead, they built a new church and turned the damaged cathedral into a memorial. There are several modest memorial plaques and statues claiming what the sole purpose is for this bombed-out shell of a building: 1) to remind all of humanity what we are capable of doing to each other, and 2) to encourage humankind to strive towards reconciliation among nations; between each other; and with ourselves. The Lord’s presence was so vivid to me that I felt as if I was standing on holy ground.
During the turbulent 60’s, there was a song which contained the phrase: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Those words came to mind as I stood in this sacred place. I have no control over how others choose to behave, whether it be my next-door neighbor or the leaders of our country; but I do have the decision about my own conduct. There are many issues and ideas in life that are worth the effort of a confrontation and a battle of wits. However, I would venture to guess that a good portion of what we as individuals get riled-up about on a daily basis are over nothing more than petty differences and annoyances. Is that worth the conflict? Probably not. Peace really does begin with each one of us.
The definition for reconciliation is: to restore to friendship; to be consistent; to adjust to the differences. Peace is defined as: freedom from disturbance or agitation; state of reconciliation after strife or enmity; freedom from mental agitation or anxiety. The two obviously go hand-in-hand. We cannot have one without the other.
Forgiveness has to be the first step, and it is oftentimes a most difficult one to take. But like many things in life, this action can become a habit or discipline. We can learn the gracious art of granting pardon to those who have offended, whether it be a big or small transgression. It is an act which we must do for ourselves – for our own inner peace and harmony. An unwillingness to extend mercy to another person or persons causes more harm to us than to those with whom we are irritated. It is a state of heart that brings spiritual discontent and anxiety – a condition that is in direct contrast to what the Lord would have us experience. The act of forgiving is not something which can easily be done on our own. The process is better aided if we invite the Holy Spirit to help us peel away each layer of resentment, bitterness, or strife. This may very well take a bit of time and effort; but in the long run, it will be well worth the undertaking.
During the course of my life, I have experienced a few situations when I have either asked for forgiveness or have exhibited the willingness to patch up a relationship; but for whatever reason, reconciliation has not been acceptable to the other person. Bottom line, we cannot force another person’s hand. However, if we can stand before the Lord and honestly say that we have done our best to bring about harmony with another – but the other party was unwilling to do the same – the gift of Christ’s peace and restoration can still be ours. Through Christ and His mercy, we may experience the joy and freedom that only forgiveness towards others and ourselves can bring.
When it gets down to it, we have a small corner of the world in which we function on a daily basis. Peace has a ripple effect. If we practice mercy and grace towards others, perhaps they in turn will choose to extend the same to others. It is our choice, and ours alone.
Our actions and attitudes do make a difference.
~ Carol Hovland-Mitchell
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 June 2009 00:19 )
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