I know "I am a little off today..."

I am not having a fabulous time of it. I am in a lot of pain right now, and I am at high risk to "say the wrong thing......" But wait, one second here...

But so when did I have to be saint? How about anyone else here? Any of the rest of us up for being cannonized????? Or Knighted???

But it seems that when we're chronically ill, it seems like we either place very high expectations on each other--if someone makes a mistake, it's treated like we've just about killed an infant amongst each other, and I've seen some people, not around here, I mean--in circles of local "support networks," and it makes me wannnt to drop out.

And since when does forgiveness not apply to the sick? No, illness does not preempt me from normal behavior, or at least mean that there's no sense of decorum here. However, it also doesn't mean that I am not allowed a few bad days, slip-ups, or outright screw-ups, and to have them even forgiven? Now there's a thought!!! We are just like everyone else, and yes, hold us to the same standards as everyone else!!! But it seems, in my experience, we're held to a higher standard......

In what we do to each other, ourselves--I would say this: show some compassion--to you, your neighbor, and their neighbor.....as a woman of wisdom said today said: "show your neighbor some compassion."

I say extend that to forgiveness....

"A definition for forgiveness could be -- giving up my right to hurt you, for hurting me. It is impossible to live on this fallen planet without getting hurt, offended, misunderstood, lied to, and rejected. Learning how to respond.....The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon......When we wrong someone, we seek his or her forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. It is important to remember that forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. Instead, it is an act of love, mercy, and grace." http://www.allaboutgod.com/definition-for-forgiveness-faq.htm

Yeah, moan, groan, ugggghhh, I brought out the "G-word." What? GOD??? Since I believe that without Him, a discussion on forgiveness, friendship, grace, love, mercy, and humility during a time of chronic illness cannot be had without God being part of the picture:

G = Graceful
O = Obedient
D = Daughter

My family has told me I am too forgiving. I believe in looking for the best in a person. And sometimes believing in them when no one ese does--gives them a hand up...a helping hand.
But I don't believe in believinnnng inn being a fool either......don't let someone smack ya in the face more than twice. Then it's "shame on YOU/ME!!!"

But people don't trust anyone these days, assume the worst, grab the ear of gossip and don't believe the best about anyone. I've had people I thought were friends do some mean things-or say them...but the most recent hurt has been a non-cyber one.

Long story, ugly one, but also, there is freedom in just forgiving a person whether they know it or not!!!!