How quick are you. . . .

How quick are you to ask for forgiveness or to forgive others?

A few months back, a girlfriend and I were talking about that. . .forgiveness and how a particular incident involving a friend of ours had somehow brought us to that crossroad. The question or rather the phrase "Aiyah, I just cannot. . ." clearly reflects our holding back on the issue. During a meeting recently, I leafed through a book brought in by another friend and the letters of the following sentence came alive sending a pricking sensation into my state of falling into unconsciousness (I was really trying not to fall asleep over a very boring agenda!!)

"There are a number of reasons we struggle to truly forgive others."

1) Fairness. It's true forgiveness isn't fair. But if we all got only what we deserve, none of us would have a chance to be at peace with God and others. . .and probably with ourselves(?)

2) Pride. We also struggle to forgive because of our pride. If we 'let someone off the hook', we wonder how we can feel good about ourselves and whether others will just take advantage of us. Tidak mau minta/mengaku kalah(?)

3) Deep hurts. Some people have hurt us deeply and really aren't looking for forgiveness at times. This makes forgiveness extremely difficult and painful. In some cases, forgiving others doesn't guarantee you will have a good relationship with that person - or should even be around them. But even if forgiveness doesn't change that person, it does change you for the better in your heart.

Observation #1

First observation for the trainee today. I didn't want to make her life as a 'soon-to-be teacher' like hell and so I sweetly and kindly (duh!) told her I was escorting her to class. She was more than prepared to battle the odds in the class with all those colourful, attractive teaching materials with her that got the students glued to their desks. They were extra obedient, extra hardworking, and extra attentive! She got the students down to do summary while I, on the other hand, attempted to look busy scribbling comments and putting down that number. My designated task was done in matter of minutes and my mind was begining to wander elsewhere (ha!).

And sooo.....to keep myself within the boundaries of observation/evaluation, I pen down the contents of the article "A Good Lifestyle" which was given to the students.

1) Have a good exercise. Don't just exercise but throw in the element of fun and you will enjoy it more.

2) Take up challenging and stimulating activities as it adds zest and excitement to your life.

3) Listen to good music.

4) Some people risk their lives a great deal by rushing around on a daily basis. Stop and enjoy a cup of coffee or watch a sun set or even smell a rose.

5) Have a good dose of laughter and thought.

6) Fill life with the things that matters and not with things that come from a store.

7) Set your priorities right. There will always be time to clean the house but you may not get the chance to see a rainbow.