The Traveler's Gift Analysis

In the book The Traveler’s Gift, we see David Ponders work schedule being frantic, as his attempted to save his employer from takeover. He often left his home before daylight and rarely returns until after his family had gone to bed. Despite all the hard work, the takeover had been completed. Later on as David’s wife Ellen slept, he wondered how that was possible because that evening he lost his job. David questioned how things could be okay, he had a second mortgage to pay, a car and no money. Seven months later, David felt beaten. His health insurance from the previous job had run its course. He had a part time job at a hardware store which provided little more than minimum wage, yet he continues to search for a job. David kept telling himself …show more content…
On David’s sixth travel he meets Abraham Lincoln. As they are chatting, Lincoln tells David he greets the day with a forgiving spirit, because forgiveness allows him to be more effective. Lincoln says, “The unmistakable truth about forgiveness is that it is not a reward that must be earned; forgiveness is a gift to be given.” (P. 132). People feel like others are not worthy of their forgiveness and since no one ever asks for it they decide to keep it all for themselves. Everyone needs to understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away. By the simple act of granting forgiveness, we release the demons of the past which we can do nothing, and create in ourselves a new heart, a new beginning. As Christians we need to forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. Most people waste valuable hours imagining revenge or confrontation. We no longer should be consumed by unproductive thoughts, we must give up bitterness. As Christians we also must forgive those who criticize us unjustly. We must not live our life according to the opinion of others, because that is slave. We are not slaves. There are people who are critical of our goals and dreams simply because they do not understand the higher purpose to which we have been called to. Therefore their contempt should not affect our attitude or actions. As individuals, we also must understand we need to forgive ourselves, because it is impossible to fight an enemy living in our head. By forgiving ourselves, we erase the doubts, fears, and frustration that have kept our past in the present. We must start every day with a forgiving