It’s National Forgiveness Day. Go Facebook someone with God today.

I recently started dipping my toes in the waters of Facebook. The few slivers of minutes I gather up to write, read, email, listen to voice mail and twitter are all accounted for. There wasn’t any more room for one more bag of social media in these arms of mine.

But, then the Facebook friend requests kept finding their way to my Inbox. I wouldn’t want my friends to think I was being unfriendly, now would I?

And so, with a little splash, I slowly waded into Facebook.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I was entering into a world of friendly micro-blogging, as well as shadows of friendships that have turned autumn.  Some winter.

I’d see their Facebook profile photos pop up, as suggestions of friends to add to my list.  Would I invite them?

– Old college buddies who’d I’d steal a $1.99 Grand Slam at Denny’s with.  Yes!

– Oh, there’s my 6th grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Betty!  Yes! Yes!

– A friend who hurt me who I thought would be the last person to do so? Uh ..

Oh, the rocks that have been left unturned, that we thought we had walked away from.

They are there hiding in the land of Facebook.

It bothered me that I could still feel the ache and the pain.  I thought I had forgiven.

But, I am reminded, as I stare into that face that I used to love to see:  forgiveness does not mean forgetting.

We cannot will amnesia upon our friendships. We all have brains, a heart, and memories.  They are both blessings and burdens.

I try to prod myself towards forgiveness.  For the hurts and scars that have been cut deep, though, forgiveness is a burden.

Then, God gave me a beautiful thought:  If I can trust Jesus to carry worries too heavy for me, why can’t I hand the risk of forgiveness as well?

I don’t believe that forgiveness necessarily means reconciliation.  Because there are people I have forgiven that I want no part of any more.

But, there are those who I still long to connect with, those I have forgiven, but am afraid to put my heart back out.

And so, with a prayer for courage and protection for my heart, I clicked “Add As Friend” to one in particular.

It’s been a decade apart, but in less than a day, we are now friends again.  A Facebook friend.  But, a friend none the less.

I still have a ways to go towards forgiveness in the deep places.  But, who would’ve thought.  Facebook would be a step along the journey.

Tell me I’m not alone.  Have you felt the burden of forgiveness?

Today is National Forgiveness Day.  If you can summon the courage, say a prayer of protection, hand over the results to God, and Facebook someone today.  Let me know how it goes.  I’ll be praying for you.. and me.

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13