To Forgive

"To err is human; to forgive is divine."   This notable quote from eighteenth-century English poet Alexander Pope reminded me of Pope John Paul II, who forgave his attempted assassin.   I've always considered myself a forgiving person.  With the passage of time and a few good breaks, forgiveness has always had a way of happening.   This year, that process has not been as easy, and that is often when it is most important to forgive.  We need all our focus and strength to move past the hurt, anger and need for vindication.  Forgiveness is simply letting go.   Pride or caring can be an obstacle, but we don't have to have a resolution before forgiving.   For my sake and for those who care about me, there is no other route in facing any tough times still to come.   Commentator Ben Stein recently said that forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself for the holidays.  It is a wonderful New Year's resolution that can make for a truly liberating experience.