Gift of Forgiveness

For-GIVE

I still remember my reaction when I saw the first homeless person (a beggar) in Toronto Subway (underground train network) for the first time. I was puzzled as to what can I give to someone who lives in a country with free health care, unemployment insurance and a welfare system?  In the subsequent years, I have given them food, money, smiles, stares, but most of all just pure ignorance! Passing by them every day, my thoughts exactly, “ What can I give? I am just a student, with my own debt to pay and no job guaranteed after my graduation.”

I was naive enough to think 

Giving--- requires me to have money

Giving--- can only be in monetary form (except may be food)

Giving--- will make me poor , and someone else richer.

aaaah! Stupid shallow teenage philosophies! 

*****

Christmas is the season of giving.  And giving comes in many forms...

We can stop by a stranger and give a minute of our time to strike a conversation... or we can crack a joke and make someone laugh... or

we can give up a parking spot for someone... or dial a number from our contacts and say words of appreciation. If we want to, and if we care to, there are limitless act of kindness that are well within our reach.  

Though, the greatest gift of all is forgiveness.  On the birth day of Jesus Christ, who has forgiven all sins of mankind, we can too practice small acts of forgiveness.

Let us forgive those who weren’t there when we needed them the most. Forgive those who may have hurt us with or without intentions.  Forgive a friend who has not picked up your call, or a family member who could not comprehend you at all. Forgive the teacher that did not believe in you, and the boss who saw much less in you. Most vital of all, forgive yourself for being so unforgiving; and rise to embrace your new self that lives FOR- GIVING.

Though, dare not to forgive those tears for falling at the wrong time, and the smile that disappeared from time to time. In this upcoming year, they both shall be punished hard, the tears must only flow when you smile at heart. Look at the chaos our unforgiveness has done, forget the Old, now! that the New has begun.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Much love.

Zarna

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Additional links related to this topic:
The wisdom of forgiving