Do Over!

Ever want a do-over? Ever just really wish you could go back and have another crack at a conversation, or behavior? For me, it’s usually my MOUTH that gets me into trouble. Not always, but generally my body seems to obey better than my tongue.


I had trouble sleeping last night. I kept thinking about things I wish I’d said or done during the day—better ways to say things. I’m always a better speaker in my head, and am sure I could do better if I could do it again. What is it they say? Hindsight is always 20/20. I do it with sermons, too. Replaying. Rewriting. Editing, hopefully Improving.


Maybe different wouldn’t be better though. Maybe it would only be different. Maybe if I got the chance to do it over, I would just mess up in different ways, and want to redo different statements.


Desiring to do better isn’t a bad thing though, is it? I think not. Wanting to do better keeps us reaching toward the perfection to which we are called. Shouldn’t we want to do better, to be better? Perhaps it’s because I communicate for a living—as teaching and pastor—that accurately and adequately conveying my thoughts and feelings is so important to me. Perhaps it’s because I want to be understood, and not misunderstood (and yes, those are two different things).


Yet, it seems to me like we should live our lives in such a way that we don’t regret the things we say or do. But that requires mastery over our tongues and emotions. Hopefully, that comes in increasing measures with age and wisdom. I’m apparently not there yet. Until then, maybe there are others who will extend me some grace. I’ll return the favor.