“Soap Bubbles,” 1859, Thomas Couture. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

When mistakes happen…it’s what we do with them that makes them invaluable.

“With men it is impossible, but not with God:  for with God all things are possible.”  Mark 10:27

I suppose one would describe me as being somewhat of a perfectionist, so when mistakes happen, they truly dig deep into my skin.  I am not unique in wanting to do everything that I set out to do as correctly, efficiently and effectively as I can. It gives me such a sense of satisfaction when I know I have done something to the very best of my abilities and the outcome of whatever it is has gone well.  On the other hand, no matter how hard I try to avoid them, when mistakes happen…they are hard to accept and sometimes even harder to remedy.  What can we do to fix them?

Although that question can be answered in as many different ways as there are mistakes to be made, I believe there really is one response that is appropriate for them all.  When mistakes happen, they can be the most valuable resources that we can ever come across.  Huh?  Yes, mistakes really can cause us to learn and grow in ways that we never would have if they’d never taken place.  In my own recent experiences of journeying through the phases of my husband’s illness, although his disease was more of a challenge rather than a mistake, I can tell you that along with the heartache and rocky roads, many blessings watered the paths, and now I am enjoying a lush harvest.

Many times we face situations that are so overwhelming when we are in the midst of them that it seems much easier to just give up and throw in the towel rather than facing the challenges head on and battling them to defeat.  I’d reached that point on numerous occasions during these past months.  “Oh that I had the wings of a dove; I’d fly away and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6), was not only the theme for my blog…it literally became my mantra!  Looking back, even in that imagery, it takes a heavy effort for a bird to take off and soar high into flight.  It took an immense amount of discipline, courage and an even greater amount of surrendering to God’s enabling power to handle all that was required to meet the needs of my husband’s care.  But, being the person that I am today, stronger, more confident and capable of managing life’s storms, I can honestly say that I am grateful for the challenges, and mistakes, that cluttered the road.

Mistakes…let them happen…and when they do…let God see you through.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13

Peace and love,

Felecia