Tuesday, September 29, 2009

ENJOYING A HOBBY

Hello readers. Just feel like sharing a thought today. I just finished reading this book "men are from Mars, women are from Venus” by John Gray. Quite an interesting read. You know, one goes through live thinking, ‘I know this, I know that’ but end up not knowing much and not really enjoying much from this beautiful earth. Maybe it’s because people are just so afraid of change so they remain where they are instead of going for knowledge that will improve their lives. Knowledge is power, and the more you acquire it, the more powerful one becomes. I enjoy reading. Whenever I can lay my hands on something good, I go for it, and am not just referring only to the news. Books can really empower you. Start reading today, if you are not already.
Be blessed

FORGIVENESS

Ever wondered why the saying, “to err is human, to forgive divine”? It is because forgiveness is hard work. Forgiveness is never easy, especially if a loved one is not the source of the hurt. Seriously. Sometimes we have to muster all the inner strength we possess, and then some, just to forgive, and most of the time it feels like we are being unfairly treated. Like we are unfairly or unjustly asked to give more than is necessarily required.

One sure fine quality that humans DON’T possess is infallibility. I am yet to come across one that is so perfect he/she does not make mistakes. Have you? Mistakes, as a matter of fact, are what make us human. We learn from mistakes, grow from mistakes. We become more productive, more effective and efficient. We become better people, humans, better society(ies). “Yeah, yeah! Sure, sure!” I hear someone say. “Easy for you to say when you are not the direct recipient of someone’s huge mistake”. Not true. I’ve been there. I know the feeling. I have forgiven and I have been forgiven. What about you, can you truly say that you have never made a mistake, or hurt anyone because of a mistake you made? Can you truly say that you’ve never been forgiven by someone? Ever?

Forgiveness is a self conscious act. It is done willingly. Freely given, freely accepted. Forgiveness does not have to be sweet at first, but it does have its rewards both to the giver and the receiver. Forgiveness releases us from the captivity of hatred. It is like a seed planted that bears more fruits. That means, the more you forgive, the more you are forgiven. A get-out-of-jail-free-card, if you will.

Forgiveness is like pouring cold water on a seething hurt. It renews and strengthens ties, provides a platform for a fresh start and hope for the future. Forgiveness is a test of our maturity, an opportunity to express the image and likeness of God in us. To the person that forgive, each time we forgive someone (or people), a refreshing feeling comes over us. We start a process that ends up ridding our system of the hurt. That is God healing our hurt. Hurt that will otherwise remain and deteriorate and degenerate into something far worse (anger, depression, hatred). Those who understand this take an extra step, walk up to the person and say, “I forgive you. Even though am hurting, badly right now, still I forgive you”

To forgive makes one come out as the better man in a tensed and awkward situation where some people would rather have a brawl, or carry a 15 year old malice that will cause more damage in the long run than necessary. We all need to forgive no matter how hard or painful it may seem because we are not only doing ourselves good, but we will be contributing to healing the world.

I choose to forgive. What about you?