This is a piece of writing that cannot be imitated. Your self-exam suggests pain beyond the arc of suffering. It is also a reflection of the process that all readers can absorb as a gift of learned self-respect. I so wish you well in this effort to find explanation for how this and other experiences are sometimes very hard to understand, if at all. But there is always the feeling... the sense of inner prayer that tries to keep the level of pain controlled. Very courageous... your sharing. Thank you.

I hate the word, sin. I prefer the word you used, mistake. The sooner we correct our mistakes or apologize if we cannot correct them, as so often happens, the sooner we will be able to sleep better and not worry about it.

The golden opportunity in making mistakes is experience. The more we experience, the more we know. The more we know the wiser we are. The wiser we are the more easily we can see when someone else makes a mistake. That we shouldn't get angry and reject it, but forgive them and give them an opportunity to learn from that experience as well.

I've been watching Car Wars on TV. I see many minor mishaps turn into terrible fights and sometimes, the mishaps become much worse. Simply because the participants did not see what happens was just a simple mistake and took it as a terrible afront that needed immediate punishment. Often, violating laws in the process and hurting both parties more than just relaxing and accepting what happened.

Ron

Such mercy in the act of forgiving others, such insight (and nobility) in the act of forgiving oneself. Beautifully understated to convey so much more. Each stanza peeling back layers of weakness, misunderstand and guilt in the desire for the bestowal of grace. Lovely.