Second chances...

Failure is a part of life.  We have all missed our goal and had things go wrong.  It is frustrating and creates hardship when we fall short, and usually means we will have to work extra hard to make up for what we got wrong in the first place.

But if we are lucky, we will have another opportunity to try again, to fix the flaw and right the wrong.  We take what we learned from the failure, and apply it to avoid making the same mistakes a second time.  Often the lessons we learn help to move us forward, and ultimately, play a role in our success.

Sometimes, of course, the stakes are bigger than others.  If we fail to get the trash out, the only consequence is an overflowing trash barrel.  But if we fail at parenting or marriage or our job, the consequences can be devastating.  It is harder to overcome the after effects of the larger failures, without a doubt.  But in these middle years of my life, I have come to understand that the successes are then that much more appreciated.  It doesn't exactly balance out, but it does help move me forward. In fact, much of my current optimism and faith were built on the greatest failures I have had.

Jesus lived without flaw or error.  He followed his proscribed path from birth to resurrection without hesitation or fault.  He left us detailed instructions on how to live well, and modeled his desires for us each and every day.  But he understood how human we are, and there was always room for forgiveness and renewal.  Because God was willing to be human with us, he knows the struggle, and he forgives every failure.

When asked, Jesus told his disciples to forgive not once, not three times, not seven times, but seventy times seven.  In an era where forgiveness was in short supply, and differences were not tolerated, this was unimaginable.  His message was always one of love and reconciliation, and he wanted us to understand that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven, endlessly and with love.

Today I am grateful for second chances.  It has brought me to a new life in every sense, both here on earth, and with my God in heaven.  Life is fleeting, but eternity is forever.  I am grateful that Jesus was willing to ransom my life with his and bring me to salvation.