Forgiveness?

Lately, I've been thinking a great deal about forgiveness. What does it mean to forgive? We are told from the time we are children that we should forgive and forget, but does that seem wise? Is it wise to forget the hurts of the past, or it is better to learn from them?

I have to admit that my natural inclination isn't toward forgiveness unless you count the type of forgiveness Denzel Washington sports in Man on Fire: “Forgiveness is between them and God. It's my job to arrange the meeting.” Of course, that doesn't seem like a wise policy.

This weekend I was at a mini-conference, and the speaker said that forgiveness is "letting go of the hope of a better past." I like that a great deal. I think sometimes holding on to the past causes us more pain than just letting go and moving on. After all, the past is past. There's nothing that can be done to change it. Of course, I have known a few people to re-write it, but I guess that's another story . . .

I also returned to Louise Hay this weekend. She reminded me to send love to those that have cause hurt. She reminded me to awake looking forward to the day. She reminded me that so much of what we think becomes the reality in which we live.

On Saturday, our speaker reminded us that to try leaves the opportunity to fail. Instead, he said that we should do. It's a good reminder because I think we often think about changing, but I think we rarely do the work that is required to change. Instead we say, "I'll try." The time for trying is done. I'm just doing.

As for forgiveness, I think I'm going to continue exploring the idea. I like the idea that "forgiveness is letting go of the past." I think I can manage that. As for sending love to those that "done me wrong," I think I have a long way yet to go . . .