A Workday Pause – What To Do When You “Mess Up”–Again!

“I’ll start over on Monday,” we say when we break our commitment to start eating better. “After all, isn’t Monday the official diet-starting day?”

“I can’t wait until September (or January). I’ll have a fresh start then.” we say when it comes to setting new goals and/or resolutions.

Next year. Next month. Next week. Tomorrow.

That’s when I’ll finally have a brand-new fresh start. And for sure, this time I’ll stick to my commitment. Or reach my goal. Or follow through on my resolutions.

Why wait? How about right now?

Here’s what I mean.

This evening, I was disappointed in myself. I had messed up–again. I had not followed through on a commitment. I had broken a promise to myself–one that was important to me. For a while, I chided myself. Then I justified my poor decision. (That always seems to make me feel a little bit better.) Then I tried to “rally my inner troops” by saying, “I’ll start again tomorrow.”

But that’s what I always say. The question is:  do I do it?

Big difference between saying and doing.

As I quietly sat in the lazy boy chair in our family room, I was aware of God’s quiet invitation to talk to Him about my failure.

Honestly.

His quiet still voice whispered, “Why wait until tomorrow Kath, you can have a fresh start right now.”

Today…

You may be disappointed in yourself.

Perhaps a long-engranined habit stubbornly clings on.

Maybe you spoke some words that you’d give anything to take back right now.

Maybe the weight of an unfinished task or project has immobolized you.

Maybe you’ve made a poor decision.

Maybe you’ve just messed up–again.

There is hope for a fresh start.

You don’t have to wait until next year. Next month. Next week. Or tomorrow.

A fresh start can be yours right now.

Talk to God. Honestly. Confess to Him your shortcomings.

God is faithful! He gives immediate fresh starts to imperfect people–beginning with clean hearts. 

Will you pause right now for your fresh start?