Today "Forgiveness" walked right up to me on the playground while I was on morning yard duty to tell me how much her daughter enjoys having me work as a sub in her class, and really appreciates that I keep the class under control and require that the kids listen and work quietly. Really, this is what she said! I said my 'thank yous' of course, and told her how much I enjoy getting to work with her children. We cordially said goodbye and wished the other a nice day. As I watched her walk away and hug her son, I realized that I had just seen "Forgiveness." This mother has never apologized to me with such words, but today she extended an olive branch of peace to me and I gladly accepted. It was her way of asking for forgiveness. When I "saw" forgiveness today it simply looked like two normal, imperfect moms trying to right a wrong and move forward learning from mistakes. I know that I truly saw this forgiveness today, because when we spoke I only saw the good of that moment. I didn't see the ugliness of our previous experience. That is in the past. We have both grown I am sure, and forgiveness is so much lovelier to look at than a grudge.

Wise observations, Shannon. I once read that we know we must forgive and forget, yet with our memory banks..how do we really forget?? We call an incident forgotten when it no longer brings to mind the hurtfulness that once was so acute.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. Marcia
This is a beautiful description of forgiveness. Seeing it in the everyday imperfection of life. Beautiful Shannon. Blessings on you.
ReplyDeleteForgiveness is always better for the forgiver than for the forgiven...especially when the forgiven hasn't asked for forgiveness. Thank you for sharing. Love you.
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