Try Try Again

Scenario 1:


Last week, I took an hour and picked up our downstairs rooms.  Then, I vacuumed.  Everything looked great except I started noticing spots on the carpet, stains on the couches, dust on the window blinds and trash on the counters.  To be honest, I was disappointed and frustrated and gave up.  I went to bed in a huff.


Yesterday, I took an hour and washed & put away dishes, baked a pie, popped popcorn, washed a load of laundry.  I had our boys pick up the downstairs.  Then, I vacuumed.  Everything looked great.  To be honest, I neglected to worry about everything else.  I went to bed eager to do more later.


Scenario 2:

The other morning, I was running late.  I had woken up late and blamed the kids.  One son was crying of his missing shoe.  I yelled at him for not finding his shoes earlier and that now I was really late for work, I was upset at myself, but lashed out at him verbally.  His reply, "There's no reason to yell.  I'm just a kid."  He was right and I needed to repent for my inability to deal with my own frustrations.  I really could do better.  I had to do lots of repair so that he knew it wasn't his fault for us being late, it was mine alone.

Yesterday, we were in a familiar situation with one son crying over a missing shoe and I'd woken up late again.  But I kindly asked his brother to help find the shoe.  I helped him put the shoes on and we joked and talked about squishes and squinkies and silly bands (very popular toys).  I took my time gathering things.  Then, I shuffled the kids out the door and went to the car.  Then, I remembered the carseat for the baby girl was still in the house.  I chuckled and accepted defeat and that I'd be late for my training meeting.

After dropping off the children at school and daycare, I headed to off site location for the training.   I sighed.  I really wanted to cry.  The training started at 8am, it was now 7:55am and the location was at least 20 minutes away.   My company would be charged the full fee if I wasn't there by 8:15am.  I prayed and drove.  I even dared mention that I'd been really nice to the children and didn't yell at them and really needed His help. I knew I'd have to face my boss and accept consequences for being late.  But it was my fault and I knew that.  But I hoped for a miracle. 

When I rolled into the barren parking lot, it was 8:25am and I was bewildered (the last time I'd been at training at that location the parking lot was packed full).  I raced up the stairs (calves on fire) and quietly asked the receptionist "I know I'm late, but can I still enter the training class?"  She looked at me, looked at the time and typed a few things and handed me a book with strict instructions to not ask questions and that it was up to the teacher. 


*Lesson*

Long story short...the Lord gives us MANY opportunities to improve.  He is willing to let us learn the same principle over and over again until we get it right.  After we get it right, we are expected to make a pattern and habit of 'good behavior' over and over again.  We have the power to overcome temptations and be successful.

Keep a smile on and carry hope in your heart because the Lord will always give you a chance to do better.  The trick is repairing the wrong and doing better when given that 2nd chance.


P.S. I got my training and many prayers of gratitude were given to a merciful Lord for seeing fit to bless my pathetic efforts.  I am eager to do much better next time.