Lead, Kindly Light

What does repentance look like, really?

Is it a string of profuse apologies, babbling forth uncontrollably and repeating like a broken record?

Is it a next-day email that claims a desire to throw oneself in front of a truck?

Is it a somber admission of shame and guilt, laced with hints of a desire to hide forever?

I’ve seen all these things, and have long forgiven whatever there was to forgive. The thing that I appreciate most, and what I find most symbolic of repentance was what I heard about today. NTJ saw Mom at church, and deliberately, purposefully, and sincerely gave her a hug. That was the first time he had ever hugged her, or probably anyone in our family. Especially in light of all that happened before, I’m very touched.