I’m working on a software project with a programmer in Indonesia, and he just told me he’ll be taking a few days off to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. I’ve not heard of this festival before, but it sounds like a cousin to Rosh Hashana, which is also happening now. Both represent the breaking of a fast, but Eid ul-Fitr — as my friend described it — also has an element of asking for forgiveness. During this time, I’m told, God forgives us, but only we can make up the wrongs we’ve done to each other. The programmer very earnestly asked my forgiveness for delays in the project (which is our own invention anyway, so doesn’t really need to happen by a particular date).
What a lovely change from the attitude I’ve encountered in many British businesses and government agencies, which I now recognise as the inspiration for Douglas Adams’s ‘Vogon‘ aliens, whose culture is ruled by mind-numbing bureaucracy. That said, there are lots of exceptions — individuals working in a large organisations who strive to make my problems go away, do it nicely, and give my day a lift in the process, like the nice attendant on the railway this morning who saw me looking quizzically at the timetable and went out of his way to help me find which train I needed to take. (I’m working across the Forth in Dunfermline this afternoon.) So, in the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr, I beg your forgiveness…
— If I have ever broken my word with you
— If I have ever hurt you or acted unthinkingly or unkindly
— If I have ever neglected a duty to you, or simply not shown up for you the way we both know I should have
After my birthday celebration the other night, I’m feeling especially blessed for the friends, family, and life I have. I often think my good relationships are due more to others’ efforts than my own, so the converse of asking forgiveness is saying thank you for being part of my life, in whatever capacity. Thanks for reading my words and sharing in our ongoing conversation.
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