September is now being called Second Chance January…. New school years, new daily schedules, new opportunities that need not wait until the end of the year. Opportunities to begin something new.
We all like second chances. Jumbi, my rescue dog, seems happy that I gave him a 2nd chance. As I’ve said before, his original family got him as a puppy and then left him in the backyard. With me, he gets to be an indoor dog… all 70 lbs of him! But I’m his second chance. Actually I think I’m his 3rd chance. ;-) He’s learning to play and socialize. He’s learning to be loved just for being him even with his crazy storm paranoia.
How many times would you like a “do over”? A second chance to make a first impression, possibly. Or the time you did something not-so-bright and would like to make amends for it. I know there are times I’ve made poor choices and have been given another opportunity. And there are times that I have not been given the opportunity to “fix” what I did wrong. I’m quite sure I’ve done both to others as well. Was it right of me? Probably not.
Clearly our Lord believes in second chances. In Matthew 18:21-22 Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” Does He think Peter should forgive 490 times… No. He wants us to offer our forgiveness EVERY time. You see, His forgiveness of us begins anew each day. His faithfulness to us is unending. His love is never ending. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 His mercy is allows available if we are willing to ask for it. He wants to be there for us.
It has taken almost 2 years for Jumbi to become completely comfortable in this new life style. Although,he still struggles with storms and noises and that has been a challenge for me, he has brought much laughter and happiness to my life.I often think that he is the one who gave me a second chance. I can’t imagine giving up on Jumbi, just as I do not want our Father in Heaven to give up on me.
Believe,
Bobbi
