When we sing the song "Our Father" and going to part of forgiveness, there is a part in me that aches. Knowing that I need God's forgiveness everyday and I need to forgive people everyday. The first part is comfortable knowing you'll be a recipient of something tremendous while the second part is difficult as it's just so hard to forgive people especially when until a certain point you think they do not express remorse or change.
I cried during the mass knowing that I was not okay since then. I see my heart hurt and unforgiving and defending my cause. I stopped and prayed to God to help me cleanse my heart. God is quick to answer. I came to a place where I've read about a public school teacher who so loved her work that she treat it as not only a way to teach children but a way to love them. It is a wise reminder for working persons that when we do things, we do not work hard for our bosses or companies primarily but for God and for the people who benefit our work (no matter how indirect it is).
This is great reminder that when we do things out of love, we may grow weary but we keep going. We may deal with unfair situations but we don't stop or decrease our efforts to break even. We may be given too much but we wisely assess it and speak when we need help and not complain. We are called to different places and we serve different kinds of the world's needs: we become a blessing to wherever we are when we do things in love.
I believe that continuous awareness and putting myself in consistent practice, develop something good inside me. With that, I want to commit for 3-week challenge. I learned from my Habits Class that it takes 21 days to develop a habit (good/bad).
1) Put in mind that people are good and great.
2) Do not count efforts. When I do, go back to number 1.
3) Respond to what is the present need (listen, pray, give something)
4) Listen more than speak.
5) Avoid speaking bad about people.
6) Do not be angry in email/phone. Tone down voice.
7) Explain/ask questions rather than draw quick conclusions.
8) Keep the heart from getting angry quickly. Take a deep breath.
9) Be patient to others.
10) Do not complain to others. Speak to God privately.
This is quite overwhelming but God promised to help us when we want to do his will. I believe that the first step to love people is to cleanse one's heart of existing hurt and bitterness and allow God's love to flow through his forgiveness and because of that, we can forgive, and when we forgive, we love. When we love, we fulfill our purpose.
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