Today there were snowflakes on my windshield and as an adopted Texan it was a bit of a surprise. While I don’t like snow to impede my traveling, I love the effect of snow, the beauty only a couple inches of snow that covers up the ugly dying grass and leafless bushes. This is why the snow reminds me of forgiveness.
You see forgiveness covers painful memories, suffering at the hands of a loved one, or the sadness of loss. Just like snow, forgiving people does not erase what happened. It just covers it up and lets you find the joy in life. Forgiving does not mean the person is right or should be released to hurt you again. Forgiving people allows us to view them without the hurt. It just means I will allow myself to forget what happened then move beyond the incident.
If I don’t forgive, I can never see the world covered with “snow”. Everywhere I go, I am always reminded of the issues that caused my pain and that affects all my life experiences. So often I miss out on the happiness that can come with forgiving others.
Let it snow in your life this year; give yourself the resolution of forgiveness. Forgive your friend, your parents, or your children. Whoever caused that pain -- forgive them, it will be the best New Year's resolution ever. Remember it is not the others who need this it is you. Forgiveness is reminding yourself that what happened is no longer an issue and releasing the bad feelings and anger attached to the pain.
So let it snow, let it snow this winter and forgiveness will fill your heart with peace.
Debbie King
President, Live it Foundation, Inc.