Everything was out on the table; I spent 5 days with my husband while he was in a coma, all the time knowing that there was nothing to say to him that he didn’t already know, priceless.  I can’t think of anyone in my circle of influence who doesn’t know how I feel about them, it’s all out on the table.    

People that don’t know me could have the wrong first impression.  They likely would not know that I have love in my heart for all.  I don’t always agree with or like what people do or say, but without judging them I keep an open mind.  I have no idea what is going on in their life and have no right to judge. 

For me, forgiveness is a high priority.  I have much to be forgiven for and know that I am capable of forgiving even when the attack is directed at my own family.  I choose love… and forgiveness is a must for love to shine through.  Everything is out on the table, forgiveness, and love.   

Why are we withholding love and forgiveness from anyone?  Maybe we are scared.  Afraid because we are not sure of how the other person feels.   Could we be withholding because we don’t feel at fault?  Does it matter who is at fault?  If we don’t forgive aren’t we hurting ourselves and our ability to move forward?

If anyone in my circle of influence left this earth at this moment, I’m not sure there would be anything that I could say that I hadn’t already told them.  When my husband was in the coma I talked to him, reminiscing about stories, but there was nothing that I could tell him that he didn’t already know. 

Everything was out on the table.  We talked about the good and the bad.  We knew each other’s likes and dislikes and never withheld the good things from one another.  When we disagreed we compromised.  The times of anger were only moments. 

Putting it all on the table requires courage, commitment, and tolerance.  When there are things you don’t like it requires you to listen, reassess, and compromise, mixed with lots of prayers.     

One of the reasons my husband and my relationship worked so well was that we both felt the other one contributed more to the marriage. We never dwelled on what the other person didn’t do, we were grateful for what we had together. We supported each other. 

When things were challenging my go-to was prayer.  Asking Jesus to provide a solution to our concern.   We put it all out on the table, we prayed, we talked, we negotiated, and we made a decision.

Putting it all out on the table is a big risk.  It provides a place to start.  An opportunity to rebuild what’s broken, forgive, love, or figure out what it is that comes next.

Success is not guaranteed.  It takes work, effort, and desire to find a compromise.  Once achieved, forgiveness will appear and love will prevail.

There are times when putting it all out on the table means you might have to walk away. Pray on it, Jesus will show you the way.

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