Forgiveness is the key to happiness. The unforgiving mind is full of fear which blocks out space for love. Love allows us to spread our wings in peace and soar above the world’s turmoil. The unforgiving mind is sad and lives without hope of relieving its pain. The unforgiving mind is torn with doubt, afraid to go forward, afraid to stay, afraid of the darkness and terrified at the approach of the light. It doesn’t see that it has condemned itself to despair. It thinks it can’t change because it looks through a lens that confirms its judgment is correct. Being unforgiving closes our minds and we think we know; we think we’re right. The unforgiving mind doesn’t see giving and receiving as one in the same. Forgiveness is born in our highest consciousness and is taught by our greatest teachers. Our Spirit within is always connected to God and represents the highest and best in ourselves. Our unforgiving minds give our Spirits the opportunity to teach us how to forgive.

Is it possible to see your enemies and your friends as one? Let’s try to perceive light in the darkness of our enemies, find the gleam that we’ve never noticed, the spark of brightness shining through the ugly picture we hold of them. Then, transfer the light to a friend and see them together in the light. Let’s picture our united enemy and friend extending the light to us. Now, we have forgiven ourselves. What could we want that forgiveness can’t give? Forgiveness offers peace, tranquility, a certainty of purpose, a sense of worth and beauty that transcends the world. Forgiveness offers a quietness that cannot be disturbed, a gentleness that can never be hurt, a deep comfort and rest so perfect, it can never be upset. Forgiveness lifts the veil that hides the Spirit from those who look with unforgiving eyes.  As we give, so shall we receive. Lack of forgiveness leaves us standing outside of the door to happiness.

It takes very little to make a difference in the lives of others and the world. Little acts of kindness and forgiveness encourage us to continue on when the path seems steep. Our greatness doesn’t come through popularity, wealth or longevity. Real greatness comes in simple supportive words. It’s in firm encouragement and gentle patience. It’s in finding God in the world’s turmoil and feeling grateful when we remember good times in the midst of hardship. Greatness is not only found in worldly heroes but in the unheard saints who unselfishly serve their families, lend an ear to a friend in despair and who lovingly see the best in those who’ve come to see themselves as mediocre.

Greatness lies dormant within us like a sleeping saint who needs to wake up to his splendor. Let’s seek out our highest calling and do whatever we do to the best of our ability. Let’s seek our worth in the eyes of God through humility. Alan Cohen says, “Meekness is the refuge of the mighty which the arrogant cannot enter.” As we liberate our thinking with a few small changes in perception, we open ourselves to miracles. Thoughts of unworthiness and failure will attempt to stop us on our path, but we must push forward toward greatness and be determined to have our dreams come true. Saints see the Divine spark of greatness in everyone they encounter and their presence allows us to recognize our own Divine potential.  A companion of St. Francis asked, “Why did God choose you to bring light and bless the world?” He answered, “Because there is hardly anyone who’s made as many mistakes as I have and has nothing to offer the world. God chose me to give hope to people who feel they have nothing to give for if God’s Spirit can work through me, it can work through anyone.”

Please write to Dr. Sandy Islands at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com and
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