Forgive and Forget

We are often told or taught the ideal is to forgive and forget — “Just let it go!”  I have the ability now to forget very quickly and easily.  The problem is twofold.  First, I cannot take responsibility for my wrong doing when I have forgotten.  Rarely is one’s offense one-sided.  I can awake  knowing there is tension between the Shepherd and me and have no recollection of what I have done to him.  I also do not know why I was angry.  But, it is not from a greater spiritual spot that I have forgotten.  In fact, it is worse.  I do not remember what pain I have inflicted upon the Shepherd.  Instead, I see it in his face.  I feel it in the walls.  But I cannot take responsibility for it having forgotten what I have done.  Even though I have forgotten what the Shepherd did to offend me.  Forgiveness is a gift we bestow upon one another.  Not because we forget or it is meaningless.  Forgiveness is granted because we seek restoration.  Forgiveness is acknowledging wrong doing and consciously choosing to allow the relationship to move forward despite the offense.