Forgiving: a necessary attribute

This past week after hearing me complain a bit about my week one of my best friends suggested a book for my reading enjoyment, THE PEACEGIVER. As I started to dive into this book I thought it was thought provoking but a little strange, but my friends favorite quote from it, and the way she lives her life, has now given me a new way to think. I was always impressed with her ability to seem to forgive those who had done wrong to her. I am not normally one that will hold a grudge, but she really exemplifies the attribute of forgiveness.

"Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us."

What a profound, and yet so simple and truthful statement of life. Our Savior suffered and died for us so that we might be forgiven, and refusing to forgive those who have wronged us is almost like denying the ability and power of that atonement.

We all get hurt in life, and at some point or another are mistreated, and often it is by those that we have trusted. Although this can be a painful thing to realize that you were wronged, eternity is more worth it then these brief moments of pain that we have to endure in this life.

This seems like the perfect season to realize the importance of forgiveness. This is the season where we celebrate the birth and life of our Savior. Out of all of the Christ like attributes to exemplify, this is one I plan on continuing to work on...after all eternity depends on how we view those who mistreat us.

The Advantage of the unknown!

"It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult"

-Seneca

It seems that many of my most recent conversations have been on the topic of Risks, and what it means to take risks and the importance of that. I feel as though a large majority of people are so content staying where they feel comfortable, and choosing the comfortable path that they lose the opportunity to chose paths open to them that may bring them greater joy and greater possibilities.

In talking to a friend I understood risk taking in a way that I had not thought of before. You can't just assume that you are drowning when you are only in 3 feet of water, stand up a little taller and make it out into the deep end so you can learn how to swim.

Paulo Coelho once said "You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen."

I guess I just wish that people would realize the advantages of taking risks...of creating a new path...a different one so that you have more opportunities accessible to you. Exploring is growth, and without challenging ourselves and taking the time to explore, we won't be able to grow to our full potential. Life is a lot about trial and error, but if even one time taking a risk proves great results....isn't it worth it?