Gratitude #7: Second Chances

I've done some major soul searching over the past week about a few things that I'm struggling to understand--everything from currently political issues to things I've said that have hurt others' feelings to dieting to ways other people have hurt me to some confusing food science to incidences in the history of the church I believe in (and belong to).

And out of all that I've been studying and wrestling with in both mind and body, I've come to this overwhelming bitter feeling that was immediately filled with tender sweetness:

I WAS WRONG. I've made some mistakes, I've hurt others, I've misunderstood, I've been selfish.

The sweetness? I get a second chance. I get to try again. I get to do all I can to make it right. I can leave the bad behind me and get up and try again.

And it's all possible through Christ Jesus.

This man lived a perfect life, and redeemed for all mankind and died and was resurrected for every soul... he did it all so that I COULD HAVE A SECOND CHANCE and have my wrongs righted through Him. I can keep living and growing and be a blessing to others (not just a mournful burden!) because of Him. And because of his grace, others are patient enough to give me that shot, too.

God be thanked for His son, Jesus Christ. God be thanked for second chances.

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