Forgiveness: Lessons learnt

by http://allthebestdreams.deviantart.com/

The past two weeks have been pretty trying for me. One incident led to another, it snowballed and it became a time bomb waiting to explode. It was definitely an accumulation of events over the past many years and a built up of emotions and grudges. I know that I should forgive another as God has forgiven me. How about forgiving 77 times? I can do that. How about forgiving everyday of my life? Some days I feel that I can. But there are days, I look in the mirror and I see a person who has been flawed by the past. There are days, I'm afraid of inevitably becoming that person I hate to be. And then, I'll wish that I wasn't created in the first place because life isn't worth living.

However, over the past few years, I have learnt that forgiveness is about yourself and not the other person. You are only hurting yourself when you do not let go.

Forgiveness is a commitment. Sometimes, you need to forgive everyday of your life. When you think you are over that phase, it may come back to haunt you. Take the poison darts shot at you, turn it around and send it back to the devil who wants to tear you down. Sometimes, I think I will never heal from this experience or that I am permanently flawed by this experience. But when I have the strength, I'll tell myself that it's not the truth. Learn to discern the truth from the lies.

Even if you don't feel like forgiving because emotionally you are still hurting, still do it. Just commit to doing it. Sometimes, it may require you to tell the person, 'I forgive you for that act you have done.' Or, you may just write those words down, 'I forgive X for that act he/she has done'. To your surprise, you may find that your burden will be lightened the next day. Soon, you'll find it a little easier to forgive than before. Remember, forgiveness is about healing yourself.

Thank God I've seen better days...

And I saw it coming
I saw emptiness and tragedy
And I felt like running
So far away
But knew I had to stay
And I know when I'm older
I look back and I still feel the pain
I know I'll be stronger and I know I'll be fine
For the rest of my days

I've seen better days
Put my face in my hands
Get down on my knees and I pray to God
Hope he sees me through till the end

I noticed most things
But I didn't notice the change
It was hot in the morning
Then it turned so cold, toward the end of the day
There was no conversation I just felt like I was in space
I needed my friends there I just turned around
They were gone without a trace

I've seen better days
Put my face in my hands
Get down on my knees and I pray to God
Hope he sees me through till the end

Now I have just started
and I won't be done till the end
There's nothing I have lost
That was once placed in the palm of my hands
And all of these hard times
Have faded round the bend
Now that I'm wiser I cannot wait
Till I can help my friends

I've seen better days
Put my face in my hands
Get down on my knees and I pray to God
Hope he sees me through till the end

Seen better days
Put my face in my hands
Get down on my knees and I pray to God
Hope he sees me through till the end

Seen better
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na(x4)

Better Days by Pete Murray