My “Humble” Gear (9/6/2023)

I opened my supply drawer yesterday. As I looked down, I had to laugh. If you want to know what life has taught me, check my supply drawer. It is full of pencils with erasers, super glue, tape, white out, and correction tape. You see, the older I have grown, the humbler I have become. I know for a fact that I am not perfect, and so I always have the equipment on hand to deal with my mistakes because I know they will happen.

On our table, we have a container that holds our puzzle gear for the morning paper. It includes pencils, pens, and correction tape. We have paper towels in every room because we’ve learned that spills do not always happen in the kitchen.

My mistakes aren’t limited to material errors. I make them in my relationships, as well. And as I have grown older, I have grown better at saying, “I am sorry.” I was somewhat resistant to it when I was younger. My pride got in the way often when I should have followed the 2nd great commandment, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I can’t remember a day in my last 50 years when I didn’t utter that phrase at least once.

I remember the series “Happy Days” and the Fonz’s inability to utter the words “I was wrong.” We laughed at it because I think we all empathized with him. Admitting I am wrong isn’t easy; but I know for a fact that nowhere in the manual of life does it say that the journey will be easy. We make mistakes, and our largest and most detrimental can be our inability to admit that and seek forgiveness from those we have hurt in the process.

Saying “I’m sorry” does more than admit error. It tells the other that they are seen, they are heard, they matter. It tells the other that our relationship matters more than our egos. It tells the other that we are in this together; an apology is an admission of not only wrongdoing but of the necessity of the other on our journey.

The LORD knows we will make errors. When Jesus taught us how to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” is right there. Yep, the LORD knows we make mistakes. And we rely upon the LORD’s mercy. And this prayer taught us anew that we must be people of mercy as well. We not only need to apologize when we make mistakes, but we need to forgive others when they seek our forgiveness. Grudges have no place on the journey. The emotions weigh us down and take up valuable room in our hearts and minds.

My pocket cross serves as a perpetual reminder to me of my ability to error, to sin. Jesus paid the price for my sins. I and my life were on His mind when He died. If He could do that for me, how can I withhold forgiveness from another? How can I not seek forgiveness from Him? How can I not seek to make things right with another whom the LORD loves?

As we journey in faith, hope, and love, let love fuel us and tenderize us. Let us be open to admitting we aren’t perfect and taking responsibility for those times we err and sin. Let us offer our sincere apologies to those whom we have heart as well as to our Savior. Let us recognize that our actions affect others and seek to restore the peace and wholeness the LORD came to provide for us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.