Continuous

It seems that all my bridges have been burned
But you say 'That's exactly how this grace thing works’
It's not the long walk home that will change this heart
But the welcome I receive with every start
Mumford and Sons

Recently, I was asked how forgiving I was. More recently, a friend, with whom I was having a disagreement, asked how often I would allow for certain things to continue (along the lines of, "you need to teach this person a lesson.") Sunday, at church, while talking with my favorite old people, the wife said that the reason their marriage had lasted for 65 years was because it was filled with laughter, and more importantly, forgiveness.

I am no expert on forgiveness. I know that I sometimes withhold it when it is needed, or add conditions once given. I know that I don't always ask for forgiveness from those whom I have hurt.

I do know, that forgiveness, like love, has to be a continuous choice. A continual choice to let go, to not stack up lists of wrongs. To be willing to be the person that moves toward peace.

Forgiveness, like love, is something that is more about the giver than the receiver.

And, that when it is about the giving, there is a freedom in that.