Forgive and Forget

Every have one of those days that stretch on forever and ever? That's what today felt like. A giant uphill climb, with a merciless sun beating down upon your back. Sweat dripping off your nose. The sheer weight of life strapped to your shoulders.

A lot of that weight currenlty revolves around this question: How many times can one person forgive somebody else?

When should one person forgive somebody else? Why? What needs forgiving? Buried suspiscions, and veiled accusations come to mind as these questions are pondered. And, no, I have no easy answer, like many of the questions and thoughts that fly across the column.

But the stress, and the pain of what's buried is starting to affect the people I care about, and my ability to perform. The mask of civility I wear is slowly changing from paper mache to lead, dragging myself lower, exhausting me.

Not just me. Exhausting everybody. It is only a matter of time before the rage bursts forth, a solid wave of something that makes us less than human.

And, in all of this, because of our exhaustion, because of our hidden rage, we forget that while our inner strength is limited, God can give us a hand.

In this case, I ask for His strength to Forgive and Forget.

A tough challenge. For there are names attached to the masks above; and none are above reproach. His strength is limitless- our ability to handle it is considerably less powerful. That's why we're human, and make human mistakes.

But to continue making mistakes, even after the mistake has been realized- that makes it even tougher.

Forgive and Forget? I would like to.

But I don't know if I ever truly will.