Forgiveness

One thing I am learning about forgiveness... or many things I suppose...

In order to truly forgive perhaps one must forget as well.  Forget and forgive the incident but not the lesson learned from the incident.  Otherwise one is forever held captive by the actions of themselves or the actions of others.  Children are the teachers of this I think.  So much happens to them day to day and they always forgive and reaccept no matter what - it may take them some time but they will remember the lessons and base life decisions on what they learn from those lessons.

There are many ways this applies to my life right now.  Things I am struggling to let go of and to move beyond.  Is it enough to state forgiveness out to the universe or must forgiveness be given to a particular person face to face?  What if the forgiveness is recieved with hatred and negativity.  I'm sure some would pose that working with God forgiveness is automatic and that the other party needs to work on forgiving themselves as well as others involved.  I believe that true forgiveness is seen in action not merely words.  Forgiveness results in a change of action, change in behavior, the setting free of challenges that are constantly addressed by holding the negative feelings within.

Look how quickly we forgive children for their transgressions if one wishes to call them that.  Why then as adults; whom are suppose to be more wiser, do we not instantly forgive and forget the transgressions of others toward us?  Why have so many hearts closed so strongly and permanently?  When will kindness again touch the people of the earth and reconnect us at a level to which children are connected?  Children can almost instantly meet new people and call them friends.  Do we do that as adults?  Kids can play with complete strangers at a hotel pool and 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes into their play can introduce their new friend to me as a friend... not as someone they just met - but a friend.  My youngest is amazed that all of his teachers and aides are not my friends.... to him brief conversations make friends.  Perhaps more thought and effort on my part needs to be focused on this in order to assist myself in growth on my journey. 

Certainly lots to ponder.

Peace and Love,
G