Last night, as I was reading, "The Traveler's Gift", I learned more about forgiveness.
My mind was flooded with those I should forgive in my life, right now. I thought about my talk with Mr. Red the other night and the grudge I hold against some of my immediate family members. Several years ago, I held a grudge against a brother and that consumed my heart. After we forgave each other, I felt like I could breathe again and not have to carry that load on my shoulders any longer.
From The Traveler's Gift:
"The unmistakable truth about forgiveness is that it is not a reward that must be earned; forgiveness is a gift to be given. When I give forgiveness, I free my own spirit to release the anger and hatred harbored in my heart. By granting forgiveness, I free my spirit to pursue my future happily and unencumbered by the anchors of my past. And forgiveness, when granted to others, becomes a gift to myself."
"I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up my bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellowman. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly."
Forgiveness is hard. I was debating the positive sides to forgiving certain family members. I want to but at the same time I don't because I'm afraid it's just going to set me up for future hurt. However, I can't stand the negative feelings that cloud my heart and obstruct it from freely giving more love. I think forgiveness is a process. For me, it's stopping those feelings of hate, then growing up to apathy and indifference and finally to a point of being open to the idea of liking them again, with the hopes of love in the not too distant future. I don't know what it's going to take, but I know it's going to be worth it in the long run.
