Often times
when we speak of forgiveness our minds drift to those who have done us unrepeatable
harm. But to forgive is not only for
those who have caused us the most wrong.
Forgiveness should also be practiced when it comes to the small things
as well.
Yesterday a man intentionally pulled
out in front of my path on the roadway.
To add further insult, the man who pulled out in front of me was in the
passing lane and moving slower than the vehicles in the right lane. I was angry.
I pulled into the right lane to pass
him. As I did I noticed that his truck
belonged to the city and had a vehicle registration number that I made my wife
record as we passed. “I’m going to call
the city on him first thing Monday morning and report his ass!” I said.
The next morning I noticed the small
piece of paper with the trucks I.D. sitting upon the kitchen table. I found myself questioning the process of
making a complaint. “Do I really want to
take the time to call the city and file a complaint?”
“Yes, someone needs to teach that
man a lesson! Maybe next time he’ll
think twice before he pulls out in front of traffic like that again.”
But it’s the morning; a new day, and
I begin everyday in prayer. It’s that
twenty minute meditation where I rediscover the art of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a release of
resentment. No matter how great or
little the resentment, it still corrupts the spirit and that will eventually
lead to physical ailments.
It’s not a question of right or
wrong, it is only what it is. “Oh, a man
pulled out in front of me, and I slowed down.”
End of story. Only when I allow
my ego to become involved does anger become a part of the narrative. Ego is choice; therefore I chose anger.
I don’t want to be anger. I want to be love, so I choose again, and
this time I choose to forgive. That
little piece of paper that was sitting on the kitchen table can be found in the
trash can now.
