Most of us have experienced things in the past year that we need to forgive so we can start this year with a clean heart. However, the old mantra “forgive and forget” needs a refresh because while forgiving is possible, forgetting is not.
I love the quote, “We forgive because we cannot forget.” That makes more sense to me than trying to forget.
Going into the new year, what is it you would like to forget?
It’s amazing to me how hard we try to forget things that hurt us or things we’ve done to hurt others. Dr. Richard Dobbins says, “Our mind is an amazing miracle of Gods creation. It forgets nothing.”
Even as I’m writing I am remembering a number of times in this past year that I have said or done hurtful things to others. Even though I’ve apologized I still remember. When I remember it again, I forgive myself. I’m determined to always be mindful of my behaviors.
The new year gives us time to reflect and learn from the experiences we had.
I am not a great fan of new years resolutions because I’m not able to keep them for very long. I am a believer, however, in reflecting on my past so I can keep from making the same mistakes again.
As you begin this new year, let me encourage you that forgiveness is the right thing to do. It is good for our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health even though it can be difficult to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice and something that all of us can do. It doesn’t come automatically though.
Choosing to forgive has benefits that will help you through this new year and will keep your slate clean throughout the whole year.
Life is a journey and there are things that will happen that may cause you pain. When that happens, and you are able to forgive, then healing becomes your journey. Live your life today so that when you look back in one year, you will have no regrets. You may not be able to forget, but you always have the option to forgive.
