Motivationals for Mom by Chrys Howard

Author:Chrys Howard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2008-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

29

Mistakes

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

James 1:2–3

Read It

When was the last time you made a mistake? Chances are it was today. Mistakes are a part of our daily life, and they come in all shapes and sizes—from adding too much salt to the soup to forgetting to shut the car door. And the results are just as varied. Too much salt just means the soup tastes bad; but an open car door could result in a dead battery or worse—severe damage to your car and a costly repair bill. Some mistakes can even be deadly, like taking or giving a wrong medication.

But a mistake, by definition, is not a sin. It’s the result of misjudgment, carelessness, or forgetfulness. I remember the time my four-year-old thought laundry detergent would make a lawn mower work. His misjudgment caused a very unhappy grandpa to have to repair his mower. And I’ll never forget the time my carelessness led me to leave the sunroof open on my husband’s car, and a rainstorm blew in.

For some reason we think that as we age and mature, the number of mistakes we make will diminish. But really, we just make different mistakes. We will never be exempt from error. There isn’t a “no more mistakes” card we get when we pass eighteen or twenty-one or sixty-five. What we do get with maturity is a better understanding of what constitutes a mistake—and we learn how to accept the mistakes in our lives and to patiently deal with the mistakes of others.

At least, that’s the plan. Moms, you will continue to make mistakes as you parent your children. While I am a firm believer in parenting with confidence—the old “never let them see you sweat” principle—there will be times when it’s in the best interest of your children to see you admit to a mistake, especially as they get older and are more mature themselves. It’s also important for your children to observe a mom who is patient and forgiving toward others who make mistakes. Confess to your kids when you’ve made a mistake—and when they make one, be willing to extend a little grace. After all, isn’t that exactly what our heavenly Father does for us?

Think It

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man;

but from their errors and mistakes the wise

and good learn wisdom for the future.

Plutarch

Live It

On a piece of paper, list some mistakes you’ve made in your life. Then feed the paper through the shredder to represent the forgiveness you’ve received through Christ. Now write down some of the mistakes those around you have made that have hurt or frustrated you. What will you do with this sheet of paper and the transgressions it represents?

When you make a mistake, admit it quickly.

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