Forgiveness

There was once a very stupid show that I used to watch called "Love at First Sight". Now it is from that 1980s era, where young girls read Millsoos (I suppose that happens today as well) and dream about the TDH guy who will come and sweep them oft their feet.

Sorry, I'm getting off my topic here.

There was once this episode called Forgiveness. Leave aside all the silliness involved, that episode on "Love at First Sight" was my favourite. I don't exactly recall the details, but in the end she forgives her TDH and they live happily ever after. It took some time though.

Forgiveness is not easy. Especially when the vindictiveness is still alive in a number of ways. I think that in your heart you should forgive, but if you feel that the other person is still out to do you harm, you should avoid all contact with them, lest they get another opportunity to harm you again. I've noticed that most people don't really care what you've done for them in the past. If there are deep stilled feelings of animosity, they will still arise at every opportunity they get to throw a jibe at you.

Hence my advice to all. Forgive, but do not forget. And avoid if that can be done.

Now this cannot be done all the time. Sometimes it may be a close family friend, or even a family member. Where there is a will, there is a way though. And I think that once the person knows that you're doing this deliberately, they'll also get the point.

But in the end, I'd like to quote these lovely verses I came across on Sacred Space in the Nov 27 edition of Times of India, which I sent to all my near and dear:

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver

Life is so precious,
And each day is a gift.
So enjoy every minute,
As it were your last to live.
Cherish your loved ones,
Hug them tight,
Share with them your heart,
And your time.
Nothing is forever,
And life goes so fast,
Each minute that passes,
Is one you can't get back.
When troubles arrive,
And knock you off your feet,
Stand up and smile,
And remember life is too sweet.
Every morning when you wake,
Decide right from the start,
That "Today will be a good day"
And let it all in with an open heart.
Laura Strickland

Never allow anyone to rain on your parade
and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day.
No talent, no self- denial, no brains, no character
are required to set up in the fault-finding business.
Nothing external can have any power over you
unless you permit it.
Your time is too precious to be sacrificed
in wasted days combating the menial forces
of hate, jealously, and envy.
Guard your fragile life carefully.
Only God can shape a flower,
but any foolish person
can pull it to pieces.
Og Mandino