Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

Summer is finally upon us – it took a while – but, as with most good things, it was worth it! So many good things take time – comforting soups, love unfolding, seasons changing – and forgiveness.

There are many definitions of this challenging choice; forgiveness is not always easy. One of my favorites is, “a deliberate act of love, mercy and grace … a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you.”

The path to forgiveness is a rocky one filled with potholes, detours, sharp curves and road blocks. There are plenty of opportunities to get lost – even with GPS! I have struggled on this journey, haven't you?

Faced with landmarks of betrayal, anger, loss and broken hearts, my steps have faltered, I have lost my way and it has, occasionally, taken some recalculating magic to rejoin my travel companions of grace, mercy and forgiveness. And yet, these companions make this earthly journey a more meaningful one, a more peaceful one, and a more hopeful one. The act of forgiveness is founded in a Higher Form of love; it is a passport into wholeness.

Unlike its counterparts – hatred and resentment – forgiveness frees both the giver and the receiver from chaos that binds us to the negative past. If we truly seek freedom, it seems that we need to participate in the transformation of hurt into healing, conflict into compassion and madness into mercy. That's a tall order these days! Accepting the invitation into our higher True Self is an excursion best taken in small jaunts – brief day trips rather than a cruise around the world. Perhaps we heal our hearts and soothe our wounds with the salve of grace, one gash at a time.

Forgiveness is the gift of hope, mercy and peace – where it is, perhaps, not deserved; for, if it were, it would not be merciful or grace-full. And yet, forgiveness is, quite possibly, a destination we all should travel to, a port of call we should stretch to reach. For there, in that space, the air is fresh, the waters clean and flowing, and the land rich with the soil of nurturing hope and joy. Happy travels!

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: Will you strive to forgive, even when it seems impossible?

At TheSpaceForGrace, we recognize the challenges of honest and complete forgiveness, without judgment. If you are struggling, perhaps we can help. GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.