If you want an example of forgiveness, watch little children. For the first few minutes, children who play together are best friends. They share the toys. They smile and even laugh at the antics of the other. They cooperate freely up to a point. If no one intervenes (like an adult or another child) this scenario may rock along for some time.
But inevitably there comes a scream, a thwack, or a tattling child and we are off. Separate the kids. Make them give over the coveted toy. Put in time out or send to their room. And the dynamic will come full circle.
In a few minutes, the children will be saying "sorry", begging to play, and embracing each other as well as the moment. They don't even remember why the conflict began, why they had to apologize, or what "time out" was for. They have completely forgiven and along the way forgotten the heinous action that led to the punishment.
Adults on the other hand have learned to harbor that grudge, put on a game face, and build barriers in our hearts toward the one who hurt us. We say the right things but in our inner being, we will never forgive and certainly not forget. We become a little like Dr. Seuss' Grinch and our heart shrinks until it is "two sizes too small."
Today I resolve to become a little more childlike (not childish) and scrub the slate clean. It is the 2nd decision in 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life and one you won't regret.
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