Forgiveness, Truth, and Looking For a Sign

" In the end, I've come to believe in something I call "The Physics of the Quest." A force in nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity. The rule of Quest Physics goes something like this: If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you. " ~ Liz Gilbert

Though the quote above seems more like the perfect "New Year's Resolution," it sort of rang true for the Christmas season. 

There is something incredibly therapeutic about the night before Christmas. For those of us who are Christians, our "Savior," the one we have waited for, is finally born. What is more inspiring than a new birth? A clean slate, a new beginning. That's sort of what we will all experience tonight. Peace on our little slab of Earth, even if it just within the walls of your home, or if your home is in an uproar, maybe you can close your eyes and find peace within. But it's there - yours for the taking.

Christ represents a purification of our spirits. We are told that if we believe in him, we will have everlasting life. That is the ultimate forgiveness. If God can forgive me, why can't I forgive myself.. for all of the mistakes I have made, for all of the hurt I have caused, and more importantly, how I have hurt myself by not releasing any guilt or anger I have held onto for so long. 

Christ represents the ultimate truth. Regardless of whether you believe he is the Son of God, or rose from the dead, the truth is, he taught us to love one another, above all else. If we all just treated each other with respect and showed loving kindness and compassion, there would be the ultimate peace on Earth - thus.. the Ultimate Truth. 

And finally, the Wise Men, who were thought to be three Kings from the Orient, traveled across the desert, following the Star of David (the sign,) to find the Christ child. Perhaps we should see Christmas the same way, a time to search for the signs that God gently reveals, if we dare stop to look and listen.

I hope this Christmas night (regardless of your belief system or faith,) will seek to forgive, look for your personal truth, and continue to quiet your mind and allow your "sign" to be revealed.