The power of forgiveness and gratitude isn't hard to experience, but for me it usually entails a moment where I see that, in my giving, I am released from the need to judge. When I realized the hell that I'd been saved from, I started to see things in a completely different light. Everyone was fulfilling their assigned roles perfectly, so it became easy to forgive. Who assigned them roles? I did. When it finally dawned on me that there really wasn't anyone out there I became acutely aware of how valuable my brother is, and the real power of forgiveness to see him, and myself, truly. And that's a lovely paradox. As a projection from my own Mind, I am able to see exactly how I am doing. If I forget for a moment or my “G” rays (gratitude rays) wane a little, my brother is right there to offer me a new moment, a correction, an instant to look again and forgive.

What really surprises me, more than most things, is how constant Jesus is. He stands beside me and literally, will take ANY situation, in which I seem to find myself, and show me another way to see it. More often than not, it's an opportunity to give instead of hold on to - a chance to share so that I can learn that I already have everything. Forgive literally means to for-give, or give before - to overlook what is not really there in truth! All this occurs without the least bit of judgment from Him or without the least concern if I stomp all over the situation and make a complete mess of it. Waking up isn't really a big deal but it IS different. Everything is changing so fast that it is impossible to hang on to any of it. So, forgiveness is actually a totally natural occurrence. For this, I am grateful.

When I was of the world, I had a memory like a steel trap, if you had done something to piss me off, I can guarantee that I would NEVER let you “out of my sight” until I was able get back at you. Period. Forgiveness was totally alien to me. Now, I'm not sure what happened yesterday. Even as I look at it…nope, it's gone. So what happened to make me this way? It's a miracle! I am unable to sequence my time association, so I am free to be here and now. It's not that I don't have memories of other places and people, in time and space, but those memories are present, presently with me. I can't believe how simple it is. Sure, it's a complete dependence on God but I don't have anything left to lose. And so, what was a once a year celebration (Thanksgiving) has become, for me, just another moment where I can share my appreciation, of YOU. Because without you I couldn't remember who I am. The power of forgiveness has indeed set me free and made me whole. Thank you and may God Bless you!

-by Tony S.