I listened to the frustration and anger. It was real. In was tangible in every sense. I listened as one event triggered memories of another and then another. The thread seemed endless.
If I was a god, I might know what to do with everything in his story. I have been in his shoes. The emotions and ability to recite an unending list of deeds that have offended is within reach. As I listened know, I realized that I have no idea what good all this history provides. When I was accused, “you keep track of all our sins; every misdeed since we were children is entered in your books,” (Psalm 90.8) I had no answers with a positive outcome.
As I continue to think about my history and the anger to and from that seems endless, I realize that the greatest gift I can give another is forgiveness. To forgive with compassion, empathy, and closure is a divine act. It is neither as easy or as permanent as one might think.
As I looked into the eyes, considered the background story, I looked at the hands and voices who had caused so much pain through different frame. While to completely, there was far more sadness in my heart than there was anger. I felt powerless when confronted with the reality of the handiwork of life’s underbelly in and on the life of another.
While two lives are never the same, as I looked behind my anger and frustration I realized I could see myself in the shoes of the other. I have lashed out. It may have been a different setting and set of drivers, but the outcome was the same. I have been that person. I am responsible for those kind of actions. Others were hurt as I have been hurt.
As hurt as I was, in the moment there will only one question that involved others and not just myself. Would I forgive and gift the other with closure? I held an opportunity to give another the priceless gift Divinity has given me.
