Is there anyone who doesn't appreciate a SECOND CHANCE? I have had many occassions to need a second chance. Sometimes it was serious, sometimes it was trivial, but I needed a chance to "try again". To get a "mulligan" (golfers will get that one). A "re-do". Call it what you want, it means the one who has the authority to forgive and say "go ahead, try again" has done so. That can apply to something as small as I forgot to give you a call as promised, to I lost my temper and said things I didn't mean. It can be an act of dishonesty that requires amends and forgiveness. It can be a big thing like wronging another person and hurting them so bad you know you have to make it right. You feel it. You know it. YOU NEED A SECOND CHANCE. It's the day after Resurrection Day and I'm thinking about the numberless second chances God has given me. First and foremost, the forgiveness that restored me to Him. Let me say that in un-theological terms. I am part of a fallen world and I CAN NOT find my way back to my Maker without His help. Jesus provided that bridge when He extended His arms on the cross and said, "Forgive them Father." That statement went beyond the immediate sin of the cross and out through time to all sin. But I need SECOND CHANCES for other things, like taking things for granted. Like forgetting God's faithfulness at different times of my life. When I think of how willing He is to give Second Chances I get a glimpse of His true affection for His creation. Yesterday was the "holiday" but today—without the food, family, decorations and traditions—is a good day to stop and think about the Greatest Second Chance Ever Given. It will never be matched and never surpassed. I know our society compartmentalizes everything, so yesterday is over and we're on to the next thing. But once in awhile it's wise to look back, without all the noise, and say Thank You for the SECOND CHANCE.
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