Forgiveness: In Honor of MLK Day 2014

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude."

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2014

As we reflect on the contributions of this great man, it is easy to recall his famous "I Have A Dream" speech and to recall how his life directly contributed to the freedoms many enjoy today.  He and many others surrendered their lives for us.  How do we repay them?  We can't. What we can do is to live our lives in harmony with all humanity through the power of forgiveness.

Little kids intuitively know to forgive.  To test this hypothesis, I asked my kids why they think it is necessary to forgive others of wrongdoing.  What follows is a synopsis of this conversation: 

1. "People are human everybody makes mistakes." When I asked my kids to elaborate they said "people go through trials and if it is trial one and they make a mistake and you forgive them, they won't have to go through trial two."

2. "Forgive them because, if you don't, you are really only hurting yourself" I didn't need any explanation from them for this one.  It does us more personal harm when we don't forgive others.  Carrying a grudge is a heavy burden. Even if they don't say sorry, still forgive them.

3.  "God says to forgive." When you forgive, the reconciliation process can begin.

If kids stay pure and innocent, they will grow as adults to live in harmony with all humanity. The problem is that they learn to hate and the germ of hatred is the decision not to forgive.

This MLK Day, let us embrace the spirit of  a child and the teachings of the great Martin Luther King, Jr and forgive. 

Happy MLK Day 2014 from your friends at Love City Car Ferries, Inc.