In the movie Varsity Blues right before the big game the football team prays the Lords Prayer. This is a prayer I have heard and said many time but for some reason I really listened to it and it got my attention. I listened to the only two lines that they showed "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespasses against us" Now trespasses is an old world and in my head my I am thinking "forgive the wrongs I have done and I will forgive those who wrong me". Now this seems peaty obvious but how many times a day do you say you are sorry to someone ? Think how many times it is said to you ? we say it as we bump into people drop things, and for many minor things. Our culture uses the word sorry so often for most people I do not think it has any real meaning. Now think how many times in the last week have you said with feeling and actually say with and meant "I am sorry, I have wronged you", now think of how many times in the last month ? Well for me personally I can not remember when the last time I said it with feeling was, but I can list many times that I should have or after the fact realized I should have.

There is a saying that I think is so true in our world "It is easier to ask for forgiveness then permission" It is easier to do the wrong, easier, less work less painful way . But this is not God way or view. Reade Matthew 6:9-13.

Now take some time to think of some people you may need to do some apologies to, maybe it is God, yourself, a friend or family member. Now how much do you really want to call that person and say "I am sorry" ? If you like me not to much, and your proudly thinking of a hundred excuses like "I am really busy" "well they did ______ to me" and your stomach is going a little funny and your nervous, Well I encourage you to call but the choice is yours ?

--Mark Eade