More Than My Mistakes (11/04/2025)

If you know me personally, you probably won’t be surprised by the fact that as a child, I got in trouble more than most and my mistake column was darn near plum full. I spent more than a little bit of my growing up time “thinking” about my errors and what I’d do differently. That happened a lot when we were in Iowa visiting my grandparents. I’m not sure why, but most days I made what seemed to be more mistakes than most. And when that happened, I’d get sent to the store for my Grandpa Bell to “handle me.”

One day, as I sat on the stool at the soda bar and Grandpa Bell stood behind the counter, he asked what had happened and I tried to tell him. And then I started to cry. Grandpa Bell did something unusual that day. He reached across the counter, put his index finger under my chin and lifted it up so I was looking right into his eyes. And he told me, “You know your are more than your mistakes. Tell me what you dream of being.”

And Grandpa Bell and I had a wonderful conversation. And it ended with a secret milk shake. And during our discussion, I learned from him what I think I already knew: everyone makes mistakes. But Grandpa Bell assured me that our mistakes don’t define us if we allow them to teach us and redirect us.

As I recall my talks and time with Grandpa Bell, I am sure Jesus recruited him. They are a lot alike. They have high standards but their loving mercy flows freely. In both of their presences, I know that I am not perfect, but still they both love me, and it makes me want to be a better person.

I think of all those whom Christ forgave like the woman caught in adultery. He even forgave those who crucified Him. He knows we aren’t perfect. Yet He loves us, He forgives us, He gives us life.  Through His love and the power of His Spirit we hopefully come closer to perfection. And we come with prayer and love, begging for forgiveness and another chance. And over time, hopefully we all learn that we are more than our mistakes.

Let us remember that as we encounter others on the way who are still figuring things out.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.