Coffee Thoughts

I tend to do a lot of thinking in the mornings . I sit quietly on the porch consuming my daily quantity of coffee..and THINK. It's the best time for me;when my mind is free of the distractions..peaceful, calm. I got up early this morning as I always do..usually by 6 a.m. I sat alone flicking through the numerous songs on my iPod and selected a play list I have probably listened to 100 plus times. Music can set, enhance or even change a mood for me.Today I wanted something on the "mellow" side. A balled or easy listening. It set the stage for some thoughts on life and how we, as humans perceive things. How we are, in may respects, shaped by the meaning we give to words . In particular I thought of the word "forgive."
For much of my life I had assumed that to forgive just meant that whatever had happened was going to be forgotten and life would go on as it had in the past. It took me some years to discover that the word "forgive" did not imply forgetting anything. Forgiveness is really something we do for ourselves..so we can heal and go on with our lives. It really only implies that one will not allow a given situation to stifle their person growth. In short ..it means the event just does not matter anymore. Forgiveness is not condoning or validating ones actions or their behavior. It is not a "get out off jail free" card. Attaching a new perspective to how I was defining "forgive" changed the way I viewed both, other people and myself. It is much easier to hold onto anger and resentment when someone has done wrong by us. It is human nature for many. Only when one fully grasp the true meaning of forgiveness can pain subside and healing begin. To forgive is courageous..to be forgiven..is a gift.