Decisions, Consequences, and Restitution

Have you ever done something, without really taking proper time to thing about the potential ramifications your actions could have? It never goes down in history as one of your brightest moments in life. But, there will always be a lesson that can be learned from the situation.

This week I made one of those mistakes that looking back just upon makes you feel sick to the stomach. It was a prank that was taken too far, and went wrong. What started out funny and very harmless, ended up bringing a lot of stress and anxiety to people I love very much. It was one of my dumbest moments in life that brings immediate consequences and will bring more consequences in the near future. But, as cliche as it may sound, it was a learning experience.

- I learned that there are warning signs to bad decisions. When I sense myself second guessing and feeling like I might not have made the right decision I need to stop and evaluate my actions.

- I need to stand up, and take control of situation that I know are not going in the right direction. If that means choosing to do the unpopular thing of refusing to participate, then so be it. Time cannot be turned back and some choices can never be changed.

- When the worst happens, and people are hurt or angered by my actions, I have to take full responsibility. It it my duty and calling to humble myself and repent. Whether or not I'm forgiven, I have to repent - repent to the Lord first for dishonoring His name by doing something that brings Him no glory, and then to the people who have been affected by what I've done.

- I have to take responsibility to bear the consequences of my decisions. Sometimes that means sacrifice. It could take time, work, money, etc. to repair what my decisions have damaged.

- Lastly, I have to cling to the truth that the Lord has forgiven me and nothing I do can separate me from His love or can turn me into a lesser, worse person. My identity is not based upon my decisions or my past - it is based upon the Savior who has saved me and lives in me.

As simple as these may sound, living them out and following them is not easy. Sometimes it takes a lot of tears and work. In my case, it's taken a whole lot of tears, a lot of repentance, and will in all likelihood take some time and work.

But, as much as I wish I could take everything back, it has really been a blessed ordeal. I have grown and I know that I will always remember this. I pray the memory of this will be a driving force that helps me become a stronger Christian.

Only the Lord knows what will come out of this, but I am thankful for friends and family that do love me very much and are willing to forgive. I am blessed to have had this happen in what really is the safest environment. Even in my mistakes, the Lord has blessed me.

My prayer for each person is that they will see their mistakes and bad decisions in life as learning curves. Sometimes the results of your actions last forever, but there is always something to be learned. And, as much as we want to be forgiven, sometimes that doesn't happen. You cannot make someone forgive you, you can only repent. In reality it is the forgiveness of God that lasts forever, man's unforgiveness lasts only a lifetime, the Lord's forgiveness stretches into eternity.

A lesson learned is more valuable that a multitude of experiences

The Start of Something New

I have finally ventured into the world of blogging. Where it will lead, no one knows for sure.

My goal with this blog is to simply be a witness to what the Lord is doing and will do in my life. Perhaps, through my thoughts and experiences, someone else will be blessed.

I live to serve the Lord, and my prayer is that this blog will be used only for HIS glory.

To Him be the glory forever and ever, Amen.