My sister suggests interesting books. She's cosmopolitan, participates in a book club, and travels—a lot. I'm rural, don't have a book club, and I haven't traveled much—yet. Enjoying the wonders of the world through her commentary, pictures, reading recommendations and our discussions about them is delightful.

Last night we discussed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, a beautiful, yet horrifying, portrayal of women's friendships in nineteenth century China. Misunderstanding of communication and motives cause so much heartbreak. It's always been a painful thing for me to read about and then think about afterward.

Today I decided to write a birthday note to someone about what she'd meant to me in my life. As I began to order events in my mind, a stark memory invaded out of nowhere. I was about 11 years old standing on a beach with several other girls, and she was preparing to take a picture of us. Enamored by the romance of her engagement, it popped into my head to draw a heart in the sand with her name plus the name of her fiance. So I said, “Wait a second,” and jumped in front of the others to kneel to begin my clever surprise. Before my fingers hit the sand, annoyed, she said, “Oh, you always have to be in front. Go back where you were.” Tail between my legs, I stepped back. And I realized today that I've been wary around her ever since.

She didn't realize my innocent motive. Such a simple little thing. After all those years, why did I remember that one negative thing before all the positive and good things?

Now that I've fully forgiven that hurt and repented of holding bitterness, I pray the note will be a richer blessing. And I am walking with a lighter load.

I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, continually unfolding the past till all is told—then You instantly forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah, pause, and calmly think of that! Psalm 32:5