YOU WERE MADE FOR GIVING

  Who struggles with forgiveness? I sure do. I am not only bad at forgiving others but myself too. This has not been helping me in any way to grow. I am slowly learning that the word forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the pain something or someone caused you but being able to let go of the pain that is inhibiting our ability to move past it. Forgiving ourselves or others is to give ourselves peace of mind and the ability to cultivate something beautiful within us. So that someday we may say, I forgive you. Or I forgive myself. Or even, I accept God's forgiveness. This is easier said than done of course but I am learning it is so important to practice. I try to think of the words “for-giving." when I think of the word forgiveness. We are made for-giving. For-giving ourselves and others grace when needed the most. For-giving ourselves and others love at all times. For-giving God the ability to work in our lives. Life is special and so are you so keep your head held high and know that Jesus loves you and is holding you in the palm of his hand.

Life is such a funny thing sometimes, isn't it? No matter where you are in your life, you will meet new people. They may be in your life for a long time, or maybe not. But I am learning that people change people. We have such an impact on others around us, and that is something to take seriously. We are all God's children who he loves dearly. He has unconditional love and forgiveness for us no matter what, and there is such a pure joy that comes from knowing that. No matter how badly you think you've messed something up in life, He is there. He will hold you and love you through your journey. 
LOVE IS THE ABSENCE OF JUDGEMENT...
Have you heard this? It couldn't be truer. I have had my fair share of judging or holding grudges towards others because they have "wronged" me in some way. And I have also, experienced others judging me. But what if we could just step away from our pride and see that our perspective on things isn't always right? What if we could step into another person's shoes for just a moment? Do you think you could see more deeply the wounds that they have held or are holding? Do you think you could forgive them easier, or be less judgmental of them? Do you think we could GIVE them the grace that they so desperately need? 
GIVE AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU: LUKE 6:38 
Giving others grace, love, and forgiveness is sometimes easier said than done. But if we do this, I am certain that those around us will want to give us the same. How beautiful would that be? Jesus would REJOICE if we could all just love at all times and forgive others and ourselves more than we do now. 
I am learning that we live in a society that is too judgmental of those around us. Sometimes it is easier to think our way is the only right way, or that we know best for what another person should do. I hate to break it to you, but this isn't usually going to help us grow in any way. ;)  If we keep trying to push others to be their best, what about us? We need to constantly work on our best selves and admit that we need growth too. Loving others through their individual journey is all we need to do. 
I don't know it all. I don't even know half of it. BUT what I do know, is that we were made to GIVE love to others, and to GIVE grace to ourselves as well as others. 
Jesus LOVES you with all his heart and is waiting for you with open arms. Lean into him. Know that He is with you wherever you go. And remember, you were made for-giving this world so much! 
What a life we get to live, 
Enjoy it. 
Maggie