It’s time for Five Minute Friday, the weekly timed keyword-themed writing challenge hosted by Kate Motaung. Her words — and those of the others who congregate around the virtual table to share — are at http://katemotaung.com/2016/09/08/five-minute-friday-heal/. I encourage you to read them … and participate in the often challenging exercise.

The word this week is HEAL. The clock is started, so let’s GO …

Healing is a process. It takes time. For those going through the process, it often seems like an eternity. And some things, quite frankly, never heal.

I’m still struggling with the hurt and loss of my wife, almost eight years later. My heart has scarred over and I’m able to move on, but every so often, a little scab peels off and the bleeding — and healing — starts all over again.

Just think how God feels. I mean, His heart gets broken every day … all too often, I must confess, by yours truly. He’s forgiving and welcomes me back with loving arms, but His heart is troubled by each indiscretion or overt or covert disobedience. The hurt is there — carried out by the retching death of His Son for me. While His heart may heal, I am all too aware my sins open up those scabs everyday… STOP

… My reflection this week is simple. May we both heal.

That’s it for this week.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: What if the true heroes of this world, like the single mom with three kids, the father, husband, wife, mother, son and daughter fighting for this country or teachers were treated with the same admiration and respect as athletes and actors.