One cold, clear November day, my adult grandson drove his mom and me to the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado. After we had admired the spectacular view in all directions, my grandson offered to guide me down a path strewn with unstable rocky bits and chunks. I replied, “Thank you, but I’m not going there!” 

Ever since then, the firm and clear decision not to go down that cluttered path has been a guiding principle for my life. And has come to my rescue more than once. 

One memorable instance was when a neighbor behaved in a nasty way that targeted me. When I spoke to her and gently requested that we talk, she refused. As a Christian, I knew I needed to forgive. Jesus set the standard for relationships during his three-year ministry: “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44, 45, Common English Bible).