Peeling the Onion

This morning in my quiet time, I thought about what I needed to do to prepare for Christmas.  I don't mean what's on the "to do" list, all those tasks that push us into a frenzy this time of year, rather I mean how to prepare one's heart to be open to receive the spiritual gifts of this season.  They tend to get forgotten and lost in the cultural craziness that Christmas has become.  What came to mind, surprised me.  I need to forgive.  Forgiveness is a spiritual practice one must do over and over, like cleaning a house.  Sometimes it seems like peeling an onion, layer after layer to forgive.   It didn't take me long to come up with four names.  I wrote down the names in my journal and thought about what it was that I needed to forgive.  Set an intention to forgive, to let go and do it again and again.  Bishop Tutu has a new book out (The Book of Forgiving) which I find very helpful in outlining a process of the journey of forgiving.  I know it is good for me, it's just so hard to do.  True forgiveness is unconditional and freeing.  It wipes away the hard crusty barriers in one's heart so it is clear and possible to receive the love that is the true meaning of Christmas.  Give yourself the gift of forgiveness practice this season.  I guarantee you'll see more light and be able to receive more love.