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Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I've written. Too long. And if you were to ask me why, I probably would wait a few seconds to answer your question and even then it probably wouldn't be a solid answer. So when consulting Libby (a really close friend of mine) on what to write about next, it didn't take her long to respond with a single word that is exactly what my summer has revolved around. Forgiveness. Also known as a life lesson that has been brewing inside of me but I was just too prideful to admit it. She knows me so well. She knows what I have experienced, and what was needed to put those things behind me. Forgiveness. I just love that girl.
I feel as though this word isn't used enough these days. People resort to bottling their feelings up and tucking them away or holding grudges for the rest of their lives. And when it is, it's used in a light manor that does not provide justice to the overwhelming peace this word brings. As usual, I consulted my best friend, the online dictionary, and discovered that forgiveness is a verb that means to "stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake." I'm not sure how that makes you feel, but it makes me feel pretty guilty. Guilty because there are people in my life whom I have built an abundant amount of resent and anger towards because of things they have done. Just like it says. Common sense would tell me to forgive them. And then usually I would respond with saying "it's easier said than done." True statement.
This is when the golden rule comes into my mind. "Treat others how you want to be treated." If I make a mistake, I surely do not want someone to look down on me or hate me for the rest of my life because of that mistake. (I know what you're thinking. There is not a mistake that is unforgivable. Every mistake is always forgivable and rarely excused from our memories forever.)
So what's so hard about reciprocating that to the people in our life who deserve it most? We especially need to forgive each other. Because when you intend to forgive, you heal part of the pain. But when you forgive, you heal completely. It is not an act that benefits only the one receiving it. You will probably receive more from it considering the fact that it has the potential to mean absolutely nothing to the taker. For it is a deed designed for those with strength. "Steady is the hand that comes to terms with the lessons it has had to learn."
Don't for one second think that this is a piece of cake for me too. I have struggled with this for far too long. But like I said before, this summer has opened doors, windows, and any other crevice in my life that has been filled with resentment. Those spaces are now vacant. My anger has been evicted and I am beginning to move in with things that only put a smile on my face.
Contrary to what society tells us most of the time, this IS something you should try at home. I dare you.
