Guilt

Guilt.  It swallows you up, then spits you back out.  We all know the weight, the angst, the twisting gut that attaches with guilt.  I’ve recently spent a lot of time with guilt. My latest revisions center around the guilt felt by a thirteen-year-old boy for something horrible he may have done.  He’s not sure.  He just can’t remember.  Stupidity, forgetfulness and now guilt plague his days.  As I’ve sat with Eric and explored with him how he’ll navigate these feelings, I’ve wondered what lines he’ll cross to find the truth. Will a good kid do something bad to undress the guilt?  I’ve also come to learn that guilt needs a place to go.  Someone to share the burden.  A friend, a parent, a teacher.

Guilt is a ravenous emotion with an insatiable appetite. And, not in the mouth-watering-pie-devouring kind of way. But, in the ugly-tear-at-your-insides kind of way. To the kid who’s worried he’s responsible for something – big or small – talk to someone.  Let the guilt out. Don’t let it swallow you.  Remember, forgiveness is never far behind.