I Believe in Making Mistakes

I believe in making mistakes:
not out of carelessness or malice,
but with a genuine intention to do good—
recognizing that our impact may not always match our intentions;
recognizing that some of the most meaningful things we will ever do
are things we will fail at first.

I believe in making mistakes,
like the disciples at every turn on their journey with Jesus,
falling asleep in the garden, slipping under the waves,
lingering on the mountaintop, missing the point of the parable—
because following Jesus isn’t obvious or easy.
It is strange and paradigm-shifting and
essential and good.

I believe in making mistakes
because I am a mother;
because my best intentions aren’t always enough
but my willingness to grow and change, alongside another human being,
is everything.

The most meaningful things we will ever do
are things that we will fail at first.

Thank God for forgiveness, and its necessary counterpart:
repentance. The chance to turn, turn, turn
till we come around to a better path,

having the courage to be less than perfect
for the sake of a kingdom that is far more perfect
than we could ever imagine.