Learning to forgive

My mother was doing some last minute errands. I’m sure that towing me along for the ride two days before Christmas was the last thing on her mind. We walked into the store and I was somehow able to convince my mom to make a “quick stop” at the toy section and, then when then it was time to leave, I begged for a toy. My mom told me “no,” but I continued to whine and cry until she had to carry me out of the store.

Over the years, the trip stayed with me in the back of my mind. I was embarrassed at how I had acted. When I had kids of my own and I thought back about how I acted and how we didn’t have a ton of money, the trip became even bigger in my mind.

The event was was so fresh that a few years ago, when I saw my mom over Christmas, I apologized to her. At first my mom told me that she didn’t even remember the incident. When I reminded her about it, she laughed. When I pressed her more, she said that she had long ago forgave me. She claimed that I was never a bad kid, but we both know the real truth.

Philosophers have written books on forgiveness. It’s a strange and beautiful thing. We all want to forgive others, but it can a tough skill to master – to intentionally let go of resentment and anger. I feel fortunate to have grown up and learned first-hand from a master on the subject. 

Here’s a few additional thoughts. 

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