Before The Clock ...

No, this is not a Cinderella story.

It's just part of an unwritten policy that my brother and I share.

To resolve our differences before midnight strikes

About two months ago, I offended him while on the way to work. Felt justified and completely guiltless. Until I watched a teaching video during an Elijah House class and was reminded that hey, I had done something bad to him a few days back and should apologise. My small group members prayed for me and I told them that I would settle the matter before the day ended.

I came back home, had dinner and we adjourned to the computer room. Each doing our own work on our computers and chatting with each other when we have something interesting to share. I kept glancing at the clock at the bottom right corner of my computer screen. Hmmm, 2 hours more to midnight. Never mind, still got time.

Dunno why but saying you are sorry is really hard to do. Especially when you are older and have authority over that person.

I waited till it was just 2 minutes before the clock strikes 12 to muster all the courage I need and drop whatever elder sisterly pride I had and said, "Hey bro, what I did on that day while on the way to work was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

He replied, "Oh, you were completely justified in reprimanding me. It's ok."

I said, "No, the reason might be right, but the way I said it was wrong. I'm sorry for offending you."

My sweet bro said, "Ok, I forgive you." We smiled happily at each other and went back to our work. And the clock striked twelve. Phew, just in time!

And today, my bro did something which he thought offended me. The problem was, I came back after midnight and that incident happened then. I wasn't even offended but he felt convicted after he cooled down a bit.

So before he slept, he came into the computer room just now and apologised for that.

"I totally understand and was not offended at all. Still, apology accepted," I said. "It's already after midnight woh. But never mind lar, as long as we're fine with each other before we go to sleep, it's cool."

Undoubtedly, sleep is sweeter when the heart is lighter and at rest with the world and your loved ones

Before the clock strikes midnight,
Or before the day ends,
Make all the amends you can.

For you never know
when the opportunity will come to an end.
~ CC