forgiveness.

It's hard, that whole forgiveness thing.

Forgetting the event seems so much easier.
Brushing it off means that you don't have to take responsibility for anything.
Clinging to the hurt, on the other hand, says that you don't have to address it, and you resign yourself to living with it hanging over your head.

Living in bondage.
That's what happens when you don't forgive.
It's pretty miserable.

It feels like something is weighing you down.
And it comes back to bite you in the butt.

The freedom that comes with forgiveness must be incredible.
But how do you get to a place where you're ready for it?
Is it a decision you make to forgive?
Is it a gradual process that ends with forgiveness?
Is it a gift granted by God, the readiness to forgive?

He forgave us of everything.  Of the worst of the worst.
We are redeemed.

So why can I not forgive after so many years?