How many times?

I was swimming today and thoroughly enjoying only having one other person in my lane who swam nearly the exact same speed I did, so we were a good pair.

I usually swim 1000 meters each time I go. Today, I lost count. "How many laps have I done? Is it 18 or 19? How many times have I touched this wall? How many times....how many times?"

As I continued swimming, the Lord reminded me of a story in the New Testament where a man comes to Jesus and asks Him, "How many times must I forgive someone? Up to 7 times?" Jesus rocked his world and ours as well by saying, "You must forgive 70 times 7"; in other words, there is no limit to forgiveness.

We all have people we have to forgive; and we are people who need to be forgiven by others. When biblical forgiveness takes place, it is sweet, and there is always hope, even if it takes time, for restoration in the relationship(s). However, if people are unwilling to forgive, and choose other paths, then hurt, wounding and unforgiveness remain, and there is no sweetness, grace, mercy or healing.

I swam an "extra" lap today, just to make sure I'd gotten my 1000 meters in. Maybe I swam 1100 meters, or maybe just 1000...either way, because I lost count of how many times, I wanted to "make sure." Do any of us need to make sure when it comes to forgiving or asking for forgiveness? The Lord knows, so go to Him and ask Him!