Late In The 3rd Quarter

I've been meditating a lot lately. While that is not unusual, I have been meditating on death. And that is unusual. Having worked in mental health, first response and crisis work for 36 years, death is not new to me. But lately, my inner circle has been decimated. At age 57, I have lost far too many. But none the less, I am thankful and feel incredibly blessed. So I've been thinking about my own mortality. And I see myself playing football. Using football as a metaphor, I am late in the 3rd quarter. In other words, there is far more time behind me, than in front of me.?

What did my life mean? As I look back, I am definitely proud of the man I've become. That said, there is no shortage of cringe worthy moments as well. There are no do overs. They can't be undone. They sit with you. I think the fatal mistake that most make, is that they let them define them. That guilt that they carry around, serves little purpose. I have watched many use the guilt to continue to live a less than honorable life. This is where forgiveness changes the game. What we hold onto, is what is holding onto us.?

I am a firm believer that no one is too far gone to turn it around. Too bad, to be forgiven. Should we be held accountable? Absolutely. But forgiveness teaches us to do better. Yes, many people take an extreme amount of time to get there. But I think they can. That said, you do not personally have to stay involved with people who continue to take advantage of you. Cut the cord and run. Whether they accept the forgiveness or not, is on them. Forgiveness is just as much for you, as it is for them.?It's a powerful move that declares that they will no longer rent space in your head.

We all fall short of a holy life. But you are sacred. You are sacred none the less. As for me being late in the 3rd quarter, I found it easier to forgive everyone for everything. Including the people that played a part in taking my daughters life. My wife and I taught her these principles...by living them. And there is nothing that will take me away from them.?

Forgiveness. It prepares us for the next level of consciousness. But in order for that to happen, I believe we have to look at the darkest, most unholy parts of ourselves, and forgive them too. What quarter are you in? Is forgiveness in your play book? It's late in the 3rd quarter for me. I can promise you, I will hold my head high when I depart.?