In some respects, it is; and in others, it's not. There are some mistakes that have truly devastating consequences, and even if we learn from them, the results remain, some possibly for a lifetime. Fortunately, I don't think I've made those kinds of mistakes. So, I think the phrase applies to "minor" mistakes, ones that we can sort of afford to make and learn from. I could make similar analogies to taking risks. There are some risks worth taking; but, there are some that aren't. So, the risks worth taking mean that we may fail; but, there is also a good chance that we will succeed and the rewards are worthwhile.
So, mistakes we make, by choice, as a result of taking a risk is okay, if it was a calculated risk. We can learn from those, chalk it up to experience, and move on. In some cases, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, mistakes can actually turn out to well, maybe even a "blessing in disguise".
But, mistakes made inadvertantly are a different matter. We didn't have a choice. We didn't expect it nor intend it. Since I'm generally a very careful person who can be characterized as risk-adverse, then, these are the kind of mistakes that I'm more prone to make. I just made a blunder yesterday, and didn't even realize it until after the fact. It happened so quickly, and the person affected seemed to gloss over it, that I don't think it's even wise to bring it up again in order to apologize. Revisiting would seem to be more awkward than continuing the presumption that it was not intended. I just hope I'm making the right decision. But, more than that, I hope that I've learned enough that I won't make the same mistake again, accidentally or not.
This reminds me to be grateful for Mercy and Grace; for with our human sinful natures, we do often fall and make mistakes. But, thankfully, my God is faithful to pick us up and restore us.
No comments:
Post a Comment