There wasn't a particular opportunity to forgive today, which in itself was a good thing (good that I haven't felt wronged and so have the need to forgive), but it made me think - some forgiveness is constant. You need to do it every day, every time you think about that person or that situation, you need to remember to forgive.
Maybe it is the small things, someone made a decision that upset you. Maybe it is the big things, someone hurt you or hurt someone you love.
One trivial situation I can think off was a few weeks ago. You have to understand, that growing up with a Dad and two older brothers I got to be a fairly fast walker. My commute to work includes an hour's worth of walking everyday and I am competitive where walking is concerned.
Unless I'm ultra tired, I can't bear to be overtaken or to walk behind slow people. I like manners on the pavement. People who have no manners on the pavement best keep out my way. Well the other week I was on the inside nearest the wall, several girls walking towards me left me no room, forcing me towards the wall. I stood (or walked) my ground, stuck out my elbow to protect myself and so the girl nearest me got the full force of my elbow in her side. She was not best please judging by the colourful language, and it took all my self control to not have a go at her and just walk on.
She could have ruined my day, but in my mind I forgave her and moved on. I like to think if I should meet her again in the course of life, I would not hold that incident against her. And I like to think that forgiveness helps people become more than who they are and not be trapped in a box labled 'My Mistakes'. As a Christian, I know I have been forgiven by Jesus. But I also believe forgiveness is not just for Christians. For a more peaceful community, society, world - it is imperative that we forgive, the small things and the big.
