Do overs

I am so thankful that we get "do overs" in life. My Pastor was sharing about his granddaughter this morning. She is a beginner toddler. In other words, she is just beginning to walk. He talked of how she will take a step or two then totter a bit and fall down. Of course the falling down is actually sitting down or being caught in the arms of a parent or grandparent. He explained how the falling down didn't mean she was a failure. She is just learning to walk. I know in my own life, at times, I consider myself to have failed when I fall down or in other words, don't do something "right". When I use unkind words or have an "attitude". When I get grouchy when I am inconvenienced. Or... I just flat out want it "my way" and am being selfish and self-centered. I don't do these things on purpose, but will realize at some point that I have "fallen" into that state of mind or that state of "sin nature". Then I hate the fact that I allowed myself to be that way. Well, hmmm! Maybe I should realize I do belong to the human race and God knows I am dust and... he gives me "do overs" every day. He says, "That's okay, Honey. Get up and try again." I will try again and again because I love Him and my life is guided by love for Him and others and He knows my heart. He actually knows it better than I know it myself. I am so blessed that He promises "never to leave us nor forsake us". We will fall down at times but those beautiful arms of the Savior will catch us and stand us aright and aim us in the right direction and say, "Go for it! You can do it!" And we really can! Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."