These last few days I've been thinking over the concept of forgiveness. Yesterday I was walking home from the hairdresser and I just knew that when I got home I had to read Hosea. I had this overwhelming feeling that there were things I needed to be reminded of and lessons I needed to relearn and that Hosea would be the starting point.
I've been struck once again at just how vast, and amazing the love and forgiveness of God is, and of how much I want to emulate those characteristics.
That is all.

from Hosea 11...

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went way; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of kindness, with bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.
They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.
The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels.
My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.
How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.