I Do want a Do Over!!

The pastor at the church we've been attending has been talking about "Do-Overs". Remember when we were kids and we would play a game that didn't go our way? We'd say, "Do Over!" And usually the play started from the beginning (or at least some agreeable spot) again. Here's an interesting definition of a "Do Over" from Streetplay.com

Sometimes, passions were too strong, convictions too deep, perspectives too contrasting to reach agreement on a call. Still, it was understood that unless the opposing team was being absolutely unreasonable or cheating,
preserving friendships and, even more importantly, continuing the game took
precedence over a specific play. After the proper amount of heated
discussion had taken place,one of the player would finally extend the
proverbial fig-leaf by offering his opponent a "do-over", as in "you can do
it again."

The do-over was one of childhood's most powerful rites, for it exerted our dominion over the laws of space and time. The clock was rolled back, the game was restored to its exact status as before before the contested event and play was resumed. If the original play was particularly important and the second attempt was dramatically different (e.g. the player striking out instead of hitting a multi-base shot as in the original play), the do-over might be invoked again. This second invocation would give the team another chance thereby insuring that the universal forces of fair play were being righteously maintained.

Yes, it is with fond memories that we recall the do-over a divine method of resolution, and contemplate the untold blessings it could bring if it were somehow extended into our contemporary lives.

Anyway, the Pastor's point has been that we often need "Do Overs" in our day-to-day adult lives and our spiritual lives. He has been talking about many people who got to "Do Over" in the Bible.

Like many of us, I suppose, I think I am in need of a "Do Over". I prayed at the beginning of January for a "Word" for the year. My focus word was "Mold Me". It brought to mind that beautiful example of God being the Potter and me (and you) being the clay that he wants to mold.

Unfortunately, I stand again before Him a bit "cracked". See, I am a "do-it-yourselfer"...it's part of my control freak nature. It's how I'm wired. I tend to throw myself in to too many things at once and say, "Sure, I can do that!" "And that!" "And that!" I am convinced that it's when I take control and try to decide what I'll do and when I'll do it that I start to CRACK! I am, after all, a CRACKED POT!

Friday night we also watched "Click" with Adam Sandler. First of all, I
should know that almost anything with Sandler in it could be a bit on the
edge...and possibly inappropriate. I remember reading my brother Dan's Post about this a while ago. Anyway, Sandler plays a working father who is trying to "get ahead" and achieve success. He gets this remote control that allows him to control his world (something that makes a control freak like me perk up her ears). He ends up missing so many things and realizes it "too late". See, he NEEDED a "Do Over" (which he DOES get at the end). He needed to see, though, that the bumps in the road are part of the total experience. I love it when he's talking to the "angel" that gave him the remote. He explains...while we look back and wish hadn't done this or that...every click of the remote was a result of decisions that HE was making...not the remote. His decisions weren't always focused right. His priorities were OUT OF WHACK and basically, he too, was a CRACKED POT!
Personally, I think it was that perspective (the ability to look back) that
helped him see how important each decision is....

So, while I say "Yes, Lord, I'd like a 'Do Over' please..." I also have to say, "Thank you, Lord, for the cracks." I think it's those cracks that make me KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is not ME who should be in control...but HIM...the master craftsman. They are, in essence, perspective for me. They push me to allow the "Do Over" to happen...once again.

And, this 'cracked pot' is awful glad that He's willing to keep the clay on the wheel
and remold it when necessary!!