Forgiveness - Two Sides

Have mercy. Be open to forgiving, that is, asking for and granting forgiveness.
Why harbor a grudge? Nobody's perfect. Why let your family be split apart by stubbornness or a misunderstanding? Be the one to take the first step to begin the healing. Life is too short. Soften your position.
Forgive. Ask for forgiveness.

That was my "Aha Moment" for 5/4/11... This was a response I got.

"I have forgiven so many times only to be used and abused and mistreated
time and time again. He is an addict - and an alcoholic.
If the person you are forgiving will not get help to change, you will
spend a lifetime forgiving and staying in the vacuum which sucks you dry.
Sometimes forgiving is not the answer to preserve your own health and
well being. Sometimes you just need to walk away."

My response was:

You have hit on the other side of it. I agree. Forgiving doesn't mean being taken advantage of or being stepped on and walked over. Sometimes it means moving on with a clear conscience.

Give PEACE for Christmas!

As Christmas comes upon us, all too often the hustle and bustle of the preparations keeps us from what we truly desire—PEACE. Sadly, many times we find ourselves stressed, not fully able to experience the Spirit of the Season with those closest to us—our families.

It seems easier to spread a joyful greeting to a friend or even a stranger than to a loved one.How do we embrace the Holiday Spirit? First, we must begin by allowing Peace in our hearts. It may be through forgiveness or acknowledging others or simply counting our Blessings. The Spirit of the Holiday season is Peace on Earth. And it begins with YOU.

So as you kickoff your celebration, make the effort to bringPeace to the family. Try by pulling folks aside quietlyand begin a heartfelt sentence with, "Do you know what I've always admired about you?"

When you appreciate people for who they are, you bring Peace to them, you feel Peace in you and you invite Peace on Earth.

Merry Christmas!