Forgiveness

December 26th, 2009

Holding onto long-held negative beliefs can destroy from within. Whether because of stubbornness or perhaps one’s pride being injured. Early on in my travels, I met a man who had carried in his heart for thirty years, that he had given up on being kind to others. I do not like to talk in a negative light about others, but he was by far the crabbiest person I have met in a very long time, perhaps ever. He told me of how dumb of an idea it was for me to try to spread kindness to others, that it was just a waste of my time. I thought at the time that he was just testing my mettle, but he had convinced himself long ago that carrying this with him, somehow justified in his mind that he was getting even. When he explained the reason for his actions, it seemed so trivial to me, but yet of monumental importance to him. This long-held judgment of another has been a thirty-year sentence for him. I wished him the best and told him that talking to a professional could possibly help. It is so important to forgive.

One Response to “Forgiveness”

  1. Sandy says:

    I know several scrooges like this. If only they could enjoy each day we have. I really think this story should be on each page. It is food for thought! A 30 year sentence is correct. Forgive and be forgiven.