Although they entertain themselves easily, they also upset one another quite easily as well. And though we (adults - older, more mature people - I mean) may suffer from similar short tempers, we've developed that essential "burying" survival skill. We don't necessarily let things go, but we can bury them and maintain civil conversation despite our sufferings, until a later, more appropriate time to pout presents itself.
Well, Alexis couldn't wait. One of the boys upset her and she began to pout promptly. And, boy, does that little bundle of spunk know how to pout. Her arms fold across her chest, comfortably resting atop "the buddha" -- our affectionate reference to her protruding little tummy. Then the head lowers, the bottom lip emerges, and, if she's angry enough, be careful, the evil glare may sear your retinas.
Luckily for them, these young boys were raised to be peacemakers. The older one began to urge the other to apologize. Little John Cooper, the one who apparently upset Alexis, after a little encouragement, bellowed out a loud, monotone, "I'm sorry". My heart melted. The moment was priceless. But it didn't end there. Cooper made a swift leap from adorable to shocking - stunning, even. After his awkward apology, he asked Alexis, "Do you want to be friends with us?" Her simple, eager reply: "Sure!"
And that was that. It was settled.
Should it be so simple? I think so. I think the surprise and subsequent moment of joy I felt when observing those kids fight and make up indicates this is the way it should be, can be. This is the way I want life, the way I want friendship, to be. So, yes, I think it should be so simple. However, I think the simplicity of being able to live in community and relationship cost much more than we acknowledge on a daily basis.
In John, chapter 20, verses 22-23, Jesus breathes on the disciples, imparting the Holy Spirit. Then he says an amazing, and rather puzzling, thing to them. He says, "If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld." Jesus tells them that in possessing the power of the Holy Spirit, they possess the power to forgive and to withhold forgiveness.
We often take it for granted - forgiveness. We demean it to some mere element of civility. We forget how much it actually costs us to be friends.
Sin did not just separate us from God. It separated us from one another as well. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Not between God and you. Not between me and you. No remission.
Why do we forgive others when they've sinned against us? Because Christ forgave us. I must praise Him in every conversation; I must praise Him whenever I laugh with or cry with or sing with or enjoy another person. Without His blood, their sin, my sin - it offends. It offends deeply because it's wages are death and hopelessness.
So, will you be my friend? I know it sounds cheesy, but I have to ask. Friendship, love, reconciliation - these are the free gifts wrought by the work of the cross and I am determined to take full advantage of the Spirit that now lives in me. I must not withhold forgiveness because forgiveness was not withheld from me.
