Encouragement for Those Who Make Mistakes

A friend and I were on our way to an event in Valley Forge, PA. After driving for a while, the highway suddenly split. The signs were confusing, and I didn't have much time to think. Instinctively, I picked the road on the left. My friend and I quickly realized I had made the wrong choice. And there was no exit for miles. What's worse than continuing in the wrong direction when you know it's the wrong direction? Knowing that you have to do it all again when you finally get turned around!

As with most things, church communications provides lots of opportunities to miss it. To misjudge. To get it wrong. And depending on the extent, the error could cause confusion, frustration, or even hurt.

​But here's the thing. It doesn't have to take long for us to realize we got it wrong. Often, the mistakes we make are not irreversible. While you might not be able to go back and undo everything or put it all back the way it was, the misstep can be a chance to learn and grow.

If you know where you are going, your mistakes don't have to be a negative.

My friend and I didn't turn around and go home that day. Though we were miles off course, we went back to where we missed it. Why? Because we knew where we were going, and we still wanted to get there. Sometimes, the best way to get back on track is to go back to where you got off.  Do what you can to fix it, but don't give up.

If you know where you are going, mistakes don't have to be negative. Even if you're taking a risk, make it a calculated decision, then let it fly. You'll know pretty soon if you made the right decision or not. And if you get it wrong, figure out the best way to get back on track and keep going. Remember this: people can be a lot more forgiving if we simply own the error, offer an apology, then make it right.