Feel Forgiven?

I am a constant "Utilizer" of the Sacrament of Penance. In all honesty I try to go to confession at least every two weeks. On several occasions I've found myself there every week for several months straight (stories for perhaps another day). It wasn't until about five years ago that I became a usual in the confessional. Before then I would go on very rare occasions. Reason being, I never uses to get any sense of change or washed-clean feeling after confession my sins.

What's different now? Truthfully, nothing. Well, that's not all true. I've changed. My way of perceiving the Sacrament has changed. I now see confessing my sins, to a priest who has come to know my darkest secrets, as a way of life. I still feel the same way leaving the church after a good confession as I did before arriving, but now I KNOW something has changed. I have been forgiven. I walk away with the same vices, same temptations as when I walked into the church, however, now I have yet another opportunity to grow from my weaknesses. I realize that only by the Grace of God will I ever be given the gift of heaven. On many mornings I pray for a double helping of the Holy Spirit. Knowing quite well that one helping is more than enough. I still ask for two, selfish? I don't thing so. It's like your child asking you for more clean air to breath. Can he/she ever get too much?

Blessings,
Michael