Relationships can be healed – God does that

I have been healed of hurt and self-justification in my relationship with my step-daughter, from whom I had been estranged for a few years.

There were mental conversations where I would rehearse an apology to my step-daughter and then add a self-justifying, “but…” Then I found I could include, “I never meant to hurt you,” which evolved to, “I never meant to hurt you, but I never chose to be considerate of you. For that I am deeply sorry.” It needed to go further and include loving her, not because she is my husband’s daughter, but because she is who she is and I love her for that.

Since October, my step-daughter and I have texted a bit and met at her home three times. On a recent visit, her two little children brought me a book and snuggled into the circle of my arms as I read to them. My step-daughter took a picture of me with the children and texted it to me! There is nothing awkward—no bringing up the past (talking it through)—only going forward. With solid conviction, I acknowledge that relationships can be healed. God does that.

Last week I was teaching a class in Christian Science nursing, and two of my students were not getting along. (The Matthew Code had been skipped.) One of them requested a meeting with the other student. Filled with a new conviction that God, Love, is able to make all grace abound, I was able to listen for God’s direction as I prepared for the meeting. I remembered what an administrator once taught me about leadership: “Two words—just listen.” Listen to those involved of course, but really listen to what God is telling me.

In the meeting, the first student read an admonition from Mrs. Eddy’s writings that he hoped would set the other student straight. The second student read “What Our Leader Says” (Miscellany, 210:1–17) and the Sixth Tenet. I followed up by reminding them of the practical steps to follow in the Matthew Code and encouraged them to be approachable and willing to communicate. Also to know in whom they could safely confide.

The second student realized that she shouldn’t “get into explanations,” so she humbly and sincerely apologized. Her apology was received, hugs were given, and the first student even took a moment to comfort her. I then required the three of us to eat lunch together. It was a very joyous time.

Since then, the two students have come up to me separately to thank God and to tell me that the situation is healed. The second student also told a colleague that another relationship that had been strained for about two years has also been mended.

My healing has blessed a lot of people—my family, my students, and my workplace. It took my working out the redemption of my own thinking with God alone. I did not have to be involved in setting anyone else straight. It started by going into the prayer closet with God, Love. Isn’t this a lovely contribution to world peace?