Photo by Jørgen Håland on Unsplash
Imagine your hardest relationship.
The one you can’t seem to find peace in. That conversation with a friend or loved one you can’t let go of. The words you said or didn’t express. That one human you’ve longed to be reconciled to the most.
Now imagine an old rustic farm table built from scratch with gentle and loving hands, with the sole purpose of making room for uncomfortable conversations.
At this table also sits a loving Father who has searched the hearts of mankind and sent invitations holding a seat for his sons and daughters to experience the healing power of reconciliation.
For those who have bravely leaned in and taken Him up on this offer, they have found the wood has been perfectly carved to catch their tender tears that fall, making room to be vulnerable and their voice to be heard.
There is a kicker here.
A hurdle to be considered for sure. To take up your seat, there’s a few practices you need to apply.
At this table…
Mercy is offered and received.
Grace is extended and accepted.
Forgiveness is granted and welcomed.
As you can probably imagine, few accept their invitation. Sadly, few are brave enough to pull up their seat.
Here’s the sad truth.
It takes a great act to step out and believe anything good could come from a broken and painful relationship. We partner hard with our pain and caudle our justifications, even rightly so.
I almost wonder if it is a Holy act of God moving within one's heart that allows them the strength to take their seat at this table.
And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. - Ephesians 1:10
When pain hits our heart it is human nature to protect it at all cost.
And yet, here’s this incredible opportunity. A chance at forgiveness. A hope for healing. A shot at restoring and rebuilding new things with someone you’ve longed to be at peace with.
And we get to decide.
Do we accept this invitation and partner with a loving Father to be agents of change? Even if the change is for no one else but ourselves.
This ministry of reconciliation, activated through the blood of The Lamb and imparted in us to share and bring forth on earth, is a supernatural gift.
As much as it is true that some relationships may never enter into reconciliation, and while that truth is painful, there are plenty other ones that will.
From personal experience, and a few invitations to this table, I’ve learned not to wait to see if others are taking up their seat before I grab mine. I’ve learned there is something for me regardless.
My friend, if you are being called to take up your seat, don’t be a stubborn one. Grab it. It’s yours!
Thoughts on being reconciled to someone you’ve longed to make peace with? Or even healing in in a current relationship that needs to be restored from hurts over time? The doubt, the disbelief, the what if’s! We’re here for it!