Forgive Me

"Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life." --George MacDonald

Did you know that three of the AA 12 steps are devoted to forgiveness? It is a very difficult process to confront  and make amends with the wounds we have suffered in the past. Especially considering that most of our wounds were at the hands of those we love most. When spiritual leaders speak of forgiveness, we are reminded that our own sins have been forgiven, and so we are to glorify God by forgiving our trespassers. And if that's not motivation enough, then consider that we inherently forgive more for our own sake than for that of our transgressor. We sincerely want to release that pain and move forward without the burden of anger and resentment.
I can empathize and rationalize the offenses of everyone around me. I know they have a good heart, and they are doing the best they can. They're probably having a bad day, or worse. Who knows the depths of their pain? But, there is one person that I find extremely hard to excuse. Me. So now, I forgive myself! -For every negative thought or criticism that I have for myself, be it real or imagined, I'm forgiven. I have the best of intentions. I'm doing the best I can.  Granted, I am a child of God, and children are always in the process of learning, mostly by making mistakes. But I get wiser and kinder everyday. In the iconic words of Alexander Pope, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."  -Ahhhh, it certainly is.