In Learning to Forgive, Doris Donnelly writes, "some years ago I met a family very proficient in the use of scissors...the friends of each family member were under constant scrutiny to determine whether they measured up to the standards imposed by mother and father. One slip...resulted in ostracism from the narrow circle of 'friends.' ...Anyone who did not respond immediately with profuse gratitude was eliminated from the list for the next time. Snip.
"Eventually I, too, was scissored out of their lives. I never knew for sure why, but I knew enough to recognize that once I was snipped away there was no hope of my being sewn into their lives again."
"Last year the mother of the family died. The father and daughters, expecting large crowds to gather to say their final farewells, enlisted the assistance of the local police to handle traffic...Telegrams were sent...phone calls were made...local motels were alerted...yet in the end, only the husband, the daughters, their husband, and grandchild or two attended the services."
Cutting imperfect people out of our lives is a prescription for loneliness. Who would remain to be our friends? Is there anyone you could sew back into your pattern? Why not give them a call?
If it be possible , as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18
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