Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Forgiveness is....


"The problem with 'forgiveness' in relationships, says psychologist Fred Luskin, Ph. D., is that most people don't know what it means. They confuse it with condoning and pardoning. They think it has to do with accepting the unacceptable or becoming a doormat. On the contrary, say Luskin. In 'Forgive for Love, the Missing Ingredient for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship' (Harper One), he argues that 
forgiveness is 'the ability to remain at peace 
when you do not get what you want.'"

The Bookshelf - by Frances Lefkowitz
"Body + Soul" magazine - January pg. 132

I am thankful that Simon is learning the idea that he can be "at peace when you do not get what you want." Maybe he doesn't understand that he is forgiving others for not doing what he wants, but it's a start; learning to go on in life, that we can't always get what we want. In this photo Al is discussing with Simon why we have to go home after being at the Shore Acres Light Show. We still had a good hike through the forest to get back to the car before dark. Simon rarely wants to go back to the car, which means it may be time to go home. He truly loves the outdoor activities at the beach and always wants the fun to continue.

Photo: Al & Simon at Shore Acres-12/31/07

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aww...what a great photo and story. Duncan has a hard time with going home, too, and is learning to be "okay" with it, as well. Such a hard thing for them, but such an important gift for later relationships!

You two are such awesome grandparents!!!

Anonymous said...

this is a great message patti ;) thank you

Deirdre said...

You have created such a beautiful site. It was a pleasure to explore it this morning (during some late pregnancy insomnia!).

I especially love this post---I hope I can catch up to Simon in learning this life lesson someday!