#25: Accept mistakes as part of your human-ness

Last night I woke up to the discomfort of an overheated body. My room was it’s normal temperature, but my body was blazing hot. The comforter on my bed now includes my winter blanket…clearly, we’re not quite there yet and my body was paying the price. In my haste to remedy the situation I pushed a button on my phone to use as a light and before I could turn away in my sleepy haze I saw it: the message that said I had failed…again. Five simple words that indicate there really is an audience on the other side of this story, but also, five simple words that meant I had let that audience down. 

Boom. These friendly words cut like a knife. Not because they were in any way harmful because the friend who sent them is precious, but they cut because they implied that I screwed up.

Perfection= unobtainable.

So I apologize again for my human-ness. Last night I was so excited to write about what has been swimming around in my mind lately and finish out this month on a high note but clearly, something made that plan go astray. I got home from work, went to pick up my car (from the shop), finished writing and editing a paper for school, considered the reading that needed to be done for today, and somewhere between arriving home and turning out the lights I forgot. I forgot that I had something wonderful to tell you, my sweet twenty-something friends.

I apologize.

I don’t believe in coincidences though.

So is there a lesson to be learned here? Is my Father trying to teach his little girl a lesson (again)?

Well…maybe or maybe not…but probably.

If there was a lesson it would be this relax, you’re still not perfect and that’s alright. You will make mistakes, likely every. single, day. (And at this I role my eyes, stomp my feet, and cross my arms. Why!!? Why do I have to be so fleshy and imperfect?!!)

In 2 Corinthians chapter twelve Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh; a disease, illness, pain, or other malady that he wants taken away. He says he pleads three times for the Lord to take it away…and God’s response was…

Paul has a really incredible attitude about pain and suffering for Christ. Our world could learn much from him (shocking, right?). 

Clearly, I am weak. I am easily “distractable.” I am generally selfishly only considering what I need. I forget. 

I am imperfect. I have many weaknesses.

But the good news is…my Father’s strength can overcome all of that. In fact I am at my very best when I am at my weakest because His strength and glory are allowed to take the spotlight.

Thank. goodness. for. that.

With our human-ness and brokenness there must come grace. Grace extended. Grace received.

Today the lesson is for me…(not that I haven’t needed the others but) we’re all learning. I am sorry for my falter in consistency. Forgive me, please?

Extend grace today…everyone needs it.

#25: Accept mistakes as part of your human-ness

(I will be back tonight for #26!)