Let Go!

We all know that feeling.  We have all experienced it at some time or another.  That feeling which is beyond anger, hurt and resentment that settles in the pit of our stomachs.  It is a feeling that tears at our insides, it consumes all other thoughts and it follows us around all through our days and even haunt our dreams.  It is a feeling that leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouths and it taints our very existence with almost tangible resentment.  That feeling is called a " Grudge ".
A Grudge is a vile monster.  It is a vampire.  It drains us of our joy, robs us of our future and destroys our peace.  It drags our thoughts down into a pool of sludge filled with bitterness.  It clouds our judgement and blinds us to the beauty of life.  Nothing good ever comes from a grudge.
When we carry a grudge around with us it is like the butterfly tied to a rock.  Even if the butterfly spread its wings it cannot take flight, because the burden is too heavy for its delicate wings.  It is as trapped as it would be if it were caught in a jar.  The same way our spirit cannot soar when we treasure a grudge.  We become weary, we have to constantly remind ourselves what the grudge is all about, we are constantly reliving the hurt, the anger, the distress. All of this while the person against whom we have this grudge carries on with his/her life usually completely unaware of  our distress.  We are unable to move forward and we cannot begin to heal.  Our thoughts and spirit are dragged down into despair, life becomes joyless.
How do we rid ourselves of this ogre?  What is the antidote for it?  The answer is something that is so easy, yet it is one of the most difficult things to do.  Forgiveness.  When we forgive, the ties that bind us to the negative emotions of the past fall away, they dissolve.  Forgiveness restores our spirit.  Forgiveness renews our hearts and thoughts.  It fills us once again with joy and gives us peace.
Yet, how do I find it in my heart to forgive?  Does forgiving mean that I give the other person permission to treat me badly, does it condone the transgressor's actions?  Not at all.  Forgiveness does not say it is okay, but forgiveness sets me free.  It allows me to let go and to move beyond the pain, the fear and the anger.  Forgiveness is seldom spur of the moment or instantaneous.  It is a process. 
Whenever I am faced with this dilemma I always remind myself of how the Lord has forgiven me for my many sins and if He could do that then who am I NOT to forgive?  It is then that I say "Let go, and let God."
I leave you with this quote of Buddy Hackett :
"Don't carry a grudge, while you carry a grudge the other guy's out dancing."

If you flutter by here I wish you peace.  Feel free to share your thoughts on forgiveness with me. To comment just click on the words "no comments" or "1 comment " and follow the link.  I would love to hear from you.