Forgiveness and Clenched Fists

     A couple of Sundays ago, our worship service emphasized the concept of forgiveness, and our Children's Ministry Director used the illustration of keeping a clenched fist for a length of time as representing when we hold on to anger, resentment, and frustration, etc.  In the end, she had the children unclench their fists and related that to the fact that when we can forgive and let go of the "clenched fists" in our lives, a sense of relief and relaxation usually follows.  I thought it was a particularly fitting representation, but on further consideration, I started to think about how much easier life would be sometimes if we just decided not to let petty differences, disagreements, etc. become a "clenched fist" in the first place!  Of course, human nature dictates that we're not all going to get along 100% of the time and conflict is going to happen that needs to be addressed, but I think it would go a long way toward clearing the air.
     Our pastor also stated in his sermon that true, genuine forgiveness often happens over time, as well as the fact that if one of the parties involved will only take the first step and break the ice by offering forgiveness and acknowledging whatever part they may have played in the disagreement, it would also help in not allowing things to fester (clinching the fist).  I also strongly believe that forgiveness on the part of the wronged party and taking responsibility for any injury on the part of the offending party are not mutually exclusive, and both can happen, although forgiveness at least needs to be extended without necessarily expecting responsibility to be taken.  The bottom line is, a clenched fist just isn't worth it!