The Rain Brings Many Thoughts

I sit among the falling rain drops

Watching as the cattails blow in the wind

Bending to its gentle breeze as though

Pointing a path to one's destiny.

There is something about sitting among the rain, hearing the tiny pitter patters of drops as they hit the concrete of the ground. It evokes a peaceful state of mind, and I am reminded of my children as infants, learning to make their way across the house. I smile at the remembrance of that same familiar sound, one that is seldom heard anymore.

My, how the time has passed. Nearly half of my life has gone by. Yet, as I sit here and reminisce, it has been a life filled with joyful memories. Even with memories, that at the time caused so much pain, I am able to find joy within them. Is it odd that I should be able to do so? Is it because I have found happiness in that I was able to experience those hurtful events, and have gained an ounce more of wisdom or knowledge that I would not otherwise have attained? It has taught me a lot about forgiveness.

Many people think that we forgive because we have been hurt or angered and the person that created that needs forgiveness and such to make things right again. And although this is partly so, I believe we forgive others because we need it ourselves. I have held grudges, and in doing so was never able to properly heal from the wounds inflicted. When you don't forgive, you are keeping that anger and pain held deep within you, where it starts slowly to poison you. You hold whatever it is that person did to you against other people, your eyes become clouded. Forgiving isn't just about the person who has done the wrong. When we forgive, we are allowing ourselves to let go of the pain. It is why I can forgive so easily. I don't want to hold on to the pain. I don't want that negativity floating beneath the surface. So while the other person feels bad in having done what they have done, I do not want to continue to feel what was felt. Life is filled with many instances of these feelings. Why hold on to something that has occurred in the past, when there will be many other instances to come in the future?