Wishing For A Do-Over

Our family has been watching the Olympics quite a bit this past week. As I watch some of the Olympians take their runs down the slopes or on the ice the commentators are quick to point out an incorrect start or a small (or large) mistake that is made that separates them from the rest of the competitors and takes them out of the running for a medal in the games. As I watch I see the look of sorrow on the faces of these Olympians as they come to the realization that their dream has been lost - if only until 2018. I could not help thinking that some of these Olympians would do anything to have a "do-over". If only they could make that start again, take a corner a bit different, put just a little more into their performance, I am sure they would take their "do-over".

Last weekend all of these thoughts went though my head as I laid on the couch in our living room, not doing much of anything all day. Then, as the evening came upon me and I prepared to call it a day, it struck me just how unproductive I was with the day that I had been given. I was aware of how I may have wasted the day and was wishing for a "do-over" myself. I don't know if you have ever had a day like this, but it really bothers me when I do. 

Or perhaps a day in which you doing something out of character, you make a mistake, a wrong choice that results in someone being hurt or offended and you would do anything to take back your actions or your comments. You wish you could have a simple "do-over".

If there was ever a person - or a couple - that wished they could have a "do-over" I am sure it would be Adam and Eve. It was as if, just after they took a bite of the forbidden fruit, they were wishing for such a "do-over". Ashamed and naked, they went a hid among the shrubs and bushes of the garden - struggling to hide their shame and their sinfulness from the God that had created them and loved them. 

If they could have seen the repercussions of this simple act of theirs, they would have begged and pleaded for a "do-over" from God. Their act of sin brought a curse on all of humanity that we still struggle with today - a curse that drives a wedge between us and God. 

And yet, God offered a way for a "do-over" in the form of His Son Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we can be completely forgiven, and completely purified. The next time you wish you could have a "do-over" think of Adam and Eve, then think of Jesus and his offer to you that is always present - an offer for a "do-over". It may not get rid of the consequences of your actions or your words in this life, but it will get rid of your consequences for all of eternity.