POD #10: Handling Unfinished Business

Kasl writes: “to become aware of unfinished business in your life, ask yourself the following five questions.”
Who comes to mind when I think of unresolved grief, hurt, or pain?
To whom do I need to apologize?
With whom do I need to talk over conflict and seek some form of resolution?
To whom do I need to send thanks?
What are the conclusions I’ve made about myself that relate to these situations?

When I wrote about this in September 2017, I could think of only one piece of unfinished business in my life. I didn’t know that I would only have five months to reconnect and resolve before that door closed forever, but it did. I will be forever grateful that I was able to find healing to the grief and hurt, to walk out my apology and to find resolution. I know that God’s hand was on my journey to complete that unfinished business.

I am not a person who likes to live with regrets or have unfinished business.  I don’t like to leave things unsaid or undone.  Through the years I have said my fair share of apologies; often apologies from decades before as I come across something that reminds me of words and actions that shouldn’t have happened.

I have made peace with past hurts caused by others.  I have no control over other’s actions or remorse.  I can only allow God to reveal hurts to me and help me to extend grace and mercy to the one who has hurt me.  At times, God has restored that relationship.  Other times, extending forgiveness releases me and reconciliation does not occur.

I give thanks to those who have walked with me on my journey to where I am now.  To those who have hurt me, thank you for the things that I learned from you, both good and bad. You have helped me to become the person I am today. To those who I have hurt, thank you for extending forgiveness and grace to me.  Thank you for holding me accountable and helping me grow. To those who have just stood beside me as I processed past hurt and pain, thank you for the shoulders to cry on, words of advice and encouragement and the arms that supported me when I felt like I couldn’t handle any more.  Thank you for helping me handle my unfinished business.

This post is prompted by Tara-Nicholle Nelson’s 30 Day Writing Challenge for Conscious Leaders