Patience

Spring Seedlings

Yes, patience! Two weeks ago I rushed to the greenhouse to get my spring flowers but it was too cold to plant yet. One night the temperature was 21 degrees!  That's cold. Even this week it has been raining every day, windy and too cool.  Somehow I am keeping my plants alive, inside, with water in the containers, until this next weekend when weather should be warmer. Plants don't really grow the best until they get in the right environment.

What does this have to do with anything, you may ask? Lately the word "forgiveness" has been in my consciousness off and on for several months.  It seems that this word and its process is something that is needed in many lives for many situations.  Forgiving is not easy but brings a world of relief and peace when done. It takes only our willingness; there is no need for the other person or side to know anything about it.  It's not the same as making an amends, reconciling or getting back into a relationship nor does it mean we "forget" the offence nor minimize the severity. 

I have found that forgiving a person, place, institution or situation, even ourselves, takes quite a bit of inner work, willingness and desire to change the anger and resentment that we may be hanging on to.  When we realize how this anger and resentment and unforgiveness keeps us bound within ourselves forgiveness becomes the "key" to freedom; we may wonder why we waited so long to do.  

It's also amazing how our very being radiates old and new angers; sometimes our aura is very evident to others. No matter what the infraction, even the worst in life, can be forgiven.  Yes, it is a process, but it is possible and the rewards are great. So, whether it's spring flowers, cold weather and planting or coming to the desire to forgive, patience is needed but desire and willingness will eventually reap great rewards! So, like spring flowers being held inside, nourished only in soggy pots to keep them moist, real growth will then take place in the right environment.  Just imagine what each of us could be like in the "right environment" after forgiving a person or a situation.  Just imagine!


If you would like a companion to assist you on the journey to forgiveness, consider calling for an appointment to do spiritual direction with me.   Call 920.793.3530.  If you are interested in subscribing to this blog, scroll all the way to the bottom of this post and insert your email address.  Consider passing this along to your friends, too! Thank you!