Dear Hannah,

I have a track record of cutting people off - and then leaving it like that.

I do not let anyone or anything get me warm twice.

Carrying the burden of offense is a hard way to live, though.

This is a little more subtle than unforgiveness - but can be just as burdensome.

When I carry offense, sometimes nothing major has happened ... but I often decide that I will not allow anything at all to happen with the person who offended me.

That may take it too far.

If I am merciless in judgement, then I will be shown no mercy. (James 2:13)

So the need for boundaries is clear, but I am learning to stop short of finishing my stories of teaching people how to treat me with "piercing periods".

I am learning how to finish them with "kind question marks".

Love,

Daddy