I Want A Do-Over!!! (originally published 05/30/08)
Anyone remember when you were younger, and playing a game with friends or siblings; especially with older siblings…and when things weren’t going the way you wanted, or expected, you would yell, “Do over, I want a do-over”? Seemed that was easier to do, than just accept the situation and move one. And if I were losing? Then you could guarantee I would be the sore loser saying someone had cheated me out and there had to be a “do-over”.
This morning as I was thinking about how hectic and overwhelming life can be at times, I became reflective. I began to think about times this week, when I could have shown more patience, been kinder to someone in a store or at work, or stopped to recognize someone around me that needed a kind word or prayer. And then I realized, in all those situations this week, where I chose to focus on my own “stuff” and not the lives around me…..I won’t get the opportunity for a “do-over”.
Sure, I can call that friend up and say, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t as compassionate as I should have been”, or even find that store clerk and say, “I was short with you, and I’m sorry”; but those are bells you can’t really un-ring in life. The effect has already been imposed, and the damage done.
Now, I know what someone is thinking…but what about God’s grace? God has afforded us a wonderful gift of His favour through our relationship with Christ, and how grateful I am every day that God has chosen to forgive me for the sin that I was lost in. But even God allows the ramifications of sin, and horrible decisions of our will to still be incurred, even after conversion. Just think of the many prisoners who are still in jail for sins committed before knowing Christ. Or the many who have taken on some horrible illness from drug use, or illicit behavior…they are still paying the earthly cost even though they are recipients of eternal grace.
You see, every day, you and I are presented with a million opportunities to show the love, compassion, and character of God in our lives. These moments are immediate and fleeting, and once taken, can never be re-lived. Knowing we don’t get to stop the clock, and call out for some universal “do-over”, we must pray and seek God’s grace in helping us to choose to be God’s vessel every moment of every day.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
