We just got back from a significant family vacation to New York state, marking our daughter Siri’s graduation from Cornell and our son Stein’s moving to West Point Military Academy.

At West Point we visited as Stein and wife Regina were enjoying their first few days in faculty housing with their three little children.  They had moved to a street teeming with kids, running around freely in the security of a military post.

But all was not so carefree.  We witnessed their five year old son and our grandson — darling, cuddly Forrest — come home in tears and confusion.  One boy in the neighborhood decided to push Forrest out of the game they were playing – and told the new kid to leave.

Heartbreaking.  And part of being human.  Our lives are forever marked – if not scarred – by such occasions.   Welcome to our lives, little Forrest!

This Sunday we take up the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer:  “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”  How do we forgive those who’ve wronged us?  This may be the hardest part of the Lord’s Prayer.

I am grateful for this opportunity to explore a petition I find especially challenging.