There are some people in this world who are always able to find the good in any situation. These extraordinary individuals inspire the rest of us who might be more cynical in nature. So imagine the amount of goodness it must take to look at the man who robbed you and genuinely wish him a better future.
That's exactly what happened for a Northwest Arkansas woman who showed up to court after the man who robbed her with a knife was arrested. The papers say in 2017, Connie Gonitzke was robbed at knifepoint. She told authorities she'd never been so scared in her entire life.
She arrived at her place of employment at a dental clinic early one morning to prepare for the day ahead. That's when authorities say a man entered the clinic and demanded money while brandishing a knife. He got away with $61, and it will end up costing him several years in prison.
She chose to address him in court. And after thanking the robber for not hurting her, she presented him with a Bible and the Book of Mormon, saying she hoped he would use his incarceration to turn his life around.
We're convinced the world would be a brighter place if we had more Connies in it. There's certainly justice to be had when a crime is committed. But to wish well for those who have wronged you, well, that's just some amazing grace.
Editorial on 11/10/2018