While it’s been a whole decade since I flung my graduation cap in the air with glee and moved on to bigger and better things, I was reminded recently—with regret—that the consequences of my sin stick around and impact others negatively long after I’m gone. "/>

A Spit wad and a Letter Ten Years Later . . .

posted by Paula Hendricks on 06/15/10 | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Category: Sin; ; 10 comments

Hey, girls. 

While it’s been a whole decade since I flung my graduation cap in the air with glee and moved on to bigger and better things, I was reminded recently—with regret—that the consequences of my sin stick around and impact others negatively long after I’m gone.   

That’s why I wrote the letter below this week. It’s not the first letter I’ve written to people I’ve wronged, nor will it be the last. (It’s also not by any stretch of the imagination amongst my worst sins committed.)  

So . . . why am I posting it here for you to read? I guess I just want to remind you that every action—even one as seemingly “small and insignificant” as a spit wad—impacts others for eternity. 

Stay close to Jesus, girls; do things His way; and you and those impacted by your life will be truly blessed!

Dear Mr. ____,

It’s been a whole decade since I last saw you, but you’ve been on my mind and heart lately, and I’ve been wanting to write and ask for your forgiveness.

I have a poor memory in general, but I remember throwing a spit wad at you one time while your back was turned to the class. Would you please forgive me for disrespecting you, not only as my teacher and authority figure, but as a human being who is deeply loved by God? I did not think of you or your feelings—only of me and my desire to be popular with my classmates. 

While this is the only really vivid memory I have of causing you grief, I know that these were not the only times I resisted your leadership and brought you grief. I know that ultimately I sinned against God—and that He has forgiven me because of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection on my behalf—but I also sinned against you, and sincerely hope that you will forgive me, too. 

Thank you for the hours and years you poured into teaching and coaching me. I am very grateful for you, and hope you are doing well. 

Sincerely, 

paula


Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Cassie
    Wow
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:14 pm
    Wow that is really cool :) I have alot of letters to write even though im only 14!
    Christle
    past sins
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:54 pm
    It's been even longer for me since I was in high school and when I think of all the people who were watching me knowing full well that I was a professed Christian and lived the way that I did makes me cringe. I have had the opportunity to witness to a few of the people I knew back in high school and have asked forgiveness for the way I acted towards them in the past. Even though I know that God has forgiven me of all those sins, I know He wants me to ask them personally for forgiveness as well. The Bible teaches us to bear good fruit, what better way than to actually show how God has made a difference in your own life to others that you have contact with.
    Miss Anonymous
    Re:
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 5:19 pm
    thanks Paula :) yeah I've done some things to other people that I shouldn't have, such as showing attitude or saying things that were mean. at that time, I didn't think it was such a big deal cause i was stubborn and thought it wasn't my fault. but now, I regret it. I prayed to the Lord that i would always go back to Him in these kinds of situations
    Emii
    a letter
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 5:19 pm
    I'm only 14 too, but I can definitely think of a few people who need to send a letter from me... or a message on facebook ;)
    Emii
    a letter
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 5:20 pm
    OH, I met RECIEVE a letter from me, not send one to me!
    AnnaKate
    Amazing
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 5:32 pm
    It's very cool that you would right a wrong from that long ago!
    ntagg
    Re:
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:33 pm
    I'm still in high school and I think that there are more letters than I can even remember that I need to write. It makes me stop and think about how I act. I think it's time that they know I am sorry too. I've asked God for forgiveness, but not them... Thank you for posting this!
    Rachelle
    So True
    on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 11:56 pm
    I am only 14 and I am thinking I need to start writing some letters. I never really thought about writing letters though or even saying sorry for something that small as us humans would say. Oh and by the way I am starting a new blog if anyone wants to check it out its www.unconformedbyr.blogspot.com
    Izzy
    Wowwwww...
    on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:02 am
    I probably would die if I got a letter like that from someone. I'm not sure if I would write one. I should really think about that. It will take me forever, but its possible!!!
    thnx lov ya<3
    Christa
    Thank You
    on Friday, June 18, 2010 at 8:07 pm
    Thank you, Paula, for posting this. What a great example you are to us. May God bless you.

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