This is a truth that I have focused a great deal on in the past. I believe that people's actions can reveal to me what I need to change in my own life. I feel that the more upset I become at what others do or don't do, the more I need to change that same area in my own life. So in the past, when I would encounter a painful experience, I would forgive the person for what they did or said; bless them for showing me what I needed to focus upon; and then forgive myself for still having the revealed issue. These past two weeks, I have waited for pain-filled actions to surface that would allow me to reach a deeper understanding of this spiritual truth. But, no actions presented themselves that had more than a slight sting of reaction. And so, I continued my wait.
Today while on a walk in the crisp winter air with the bright sun reflecting off the snow, I began thinking of all the people in Haiti dealing with the results of the recent earthquake. I remembered the pictures on television showing the destruction, the relief help, and the chaos. And, suddenly, a new awareness of this truth was revealed to me. I realized that I have been interpretting this truth all wrong. It is not about forgiveness,; it is about honoring ourself and others. Let me explain.
I'm not one to be able to quote Bible verses. Yes, I learned them as a child, but it was the content that I remembered, not the exact words, or the location of the verse. Three concepts stick out to me that come into play here. These powerful ideas seem to permeate all religions. They are: 'Do unto others what you want for them to do unto you'. 'Judge not lest you be judged.' And, 'You reap what you sow.'
It is easy for us to offer praises for those who are offerring help in Haiti. But, is that our job? We hear of those who have given huge sums of money, who are donating their time, and who are helping in other ways. But, in reality, do we know their intent? Some giving money are giving out of the pure desire to help. Some are giving out of a sense of obligation, While others may be giving out of a desire to see or hear their names in print. But, their money still helps. Yet, will they reap the same rewards? Do we care? Is that for us to decide?
At the same time we see those who are looting and causing chaos and immediately many of us condemn then for their actions. And, if we follow what I have done in the past, we forgive them. But, again, do we know why they are doing what they are doing? Is it the same to loot to save your family as it is to loot to make a profit from what you find, or to loot because your are afraid? Do we as humans have the right to pass judgement?
Through these reflections on what is happening in Haiti I have discovered that I have been seeing this truth through tarnished eyes. When I was offering forgiveness, I was actually judging the other person to be wrong.. I have always believed that we do not have the right to judge. Yet, that is exactly what i was doing. And, I was doing it innocently in the name of spiritual growth. Now with my new awareness it is clear to me that I don't know the intent behind what others do or say. And, even if I did, it is not for me to offer judgment. I will continue to forgive, but my interpretation of what that means has significantly shifted. Forgiveness is not a judgment, but a release of judgment. It is letting go and letting God.
I am a human having experiences that aid my spiritual growth. I will concentrate on being all that I can be and let divine order handle the rest. I will use forgiveness to release others from judgment. And, that includes forgiving myself. I will continue to offer gratitude for the lessons I learn. And, when I get to a point of greater detachment, I may finally be able to detach myself from all and simply observe the happenings. I'm not quite at that point yet. But, I will release myself from any judgment and realize that I am where I am and that is okay.
And so, with that, I will stop the actions that I thought before were helpful. When presented with situations that seem painful or even mildly irritating, I will try hard to release the judgment from all parties involved, including myself, and instead offer gratitude for the richness of life. So, the spiritual truth remains, opportunities for growth do abound in others actions. What a grand place this Earth of our is.
The next truth: The greatest gift we can give another is to find joy and contentment within our own soul. Oh, yes, I so believe that!
Peace and love,
Linda