Have you ever had a day when it seemed that everything went wrong?

One Saturday, my husband and I attended an information session at the Huronia Museum, where we listened to an elder share her story of the indigenous way of life. We also listened to an archivist and historian. The day started at 10:00 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m. Talk about information overload! At the end of the presentations, my pastor asked if I would share a few snippets of the day with the congregation the next day. I agreed.

Though the day was more than half gone, my husband and I visited my mother at the retirement home and then went on to celebrate our granddaughter's birthday. By the time we got home, it was late. I still had to get words onto paper regarding the information session, and also write the prayers of intercession.

I could blame my mistake on having too much on my mind or wearing too many hats on Sunday morning, but it was during the prayers that it happened. I asked the congregation to pray for comfort and strength for a husband and his family whose wife had passed away. At the end of the service, I found out that in fact the woman was in the hospital, in her latter stage of life, but still alive. How could I have made such a huge error? I tried to convey my mistake to all who crossed my path, but I am sure that a few people left the building thinking that their sister in Christ had passed away.

I felt terrible, but people were very sympathetic and kind. They told me that we all make mistakes, that none of us is perfect, and that I would be forgiven. Still, I felt devastated and awful.

Proverbs 17:9 – Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends. (TLB)

James 3:1 – Dear brothers, don't be too eager to tell others their faults, for we all make many mistakes. (TLB)

Jesus is the only One Who is perfect, and God the Father did not make a mistake when He sent His Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. When we confess our sins, we are forgiven through Christ's death.

Did you fail to do something or make a mistake today? Remember to tell God about it, and know that you are forgiven. Start all over again. Tomorrow is a new day!

Prayer: Loving God, forgive us when we make mistakes that hurt our brothers and sisters. Comfort us when we're too hard on ourselves. Remind us that we are a people forgiven by Your grace. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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