Letters of Forgiveness

We have declared this month "Peace" in Youth Church. As I am preparing my lesson plans for this topic, of course, I got introspective. Without forgiveness, there can be no peace. Have I forgiven everyone in my life? Have I forgiven myself?

And so I set out to write letters of forgiveness. Each day through the month of December, I will explore an area of my life that needs forgiveness whether it be a person, an experience, or some irritation within myself. I will meditate, make amends if possible, and write a letter of forgiveness. Whether I mail it or not, the letter is a cleansing and closing. Forgiveness doesn't have to involve anyone but ourselves. It all takes place in mind. I will make a big clearing in my heart and let love fill it up. No more duality can exist within my heart.

As I was running this morning, I noticed that it is the time of year when the gardeners are clearing the leaves and branches that clutter people's lawns and the street. They are pruning back the trees. It is metaphorical isn't it?

As the old is cleared, we make room for the new life. I love this idea of forgiveness. We will end the month with a forgiveness labyrinth on December 29th. We will join as a community and support each other through this journey. The ending of 2009 will definitely be what was intended at its beginning. I am "Aligning in 2009."