The First Kiss: A Lesson in Forgiveness
Dear Reader, allow me to take you on a journey back in time. A story of my first kiss. A tale that ultimately steered the course to one of life’s profoundest lessons – Forgiveness.
We were two innocent creatures navigating through the complexities of adolescence. Just wee lads who discovered what it meant to have butterflies fluttering around in our bellies whenever we saw each other. Her name was Marianne, the lovely girl next door with cherubic cheeks and an infectious giggle that could charm even a grinch into smiling.
The Incident
If I recall correctly – which is something this old man prides himself upon – it was a sunny Tuesday afternoon after school, we found ourselves under the grand old oak tree at St.James park —the spot where it happened— stark afraid and excited all at once for our very first kiss.
Making hasty vows about all sorts of romantic nothings that younglings make when they think they’re grown-ups, we’d puckered up right then but just as soon found ourselves caught by Matthew- Marianne’s older brother. Naturally so public humiliation ensued…
A Growing Resentment
In those subsequent days, bitterness welled up within me against Matthew like never before—a rage brewing inside me—for having taken away a moment so precious from us both without any regard whatsoever.
.
Unearthing Wisdom Within The Sunken Heart
As weeks turned into months spent brooding over our tarnished memory,I stumbled upon a truth during a conversation with my wise mum; She said,“Sonny boy! One cannot go sinking ships outta every bitter turn else ye’ll find yerself always lost down some sea or another.”.
.It took quite some introspection for yours truly (never being one much for philosophy), yet eventually I grasped hold of her wisdom.
- ‘Forgiving isn’t equated with absolving,’ mother would say.
We break free when we forgive—not necessarily granting clemency yet concluding resentment not worth losing tranquillity over. - Moving forward demands forgiving oneself more importantly than others else end ropes hobble your growth whilst grappling past burdens.”
And thus began my journey towards understanding forgiveness…
Kev
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