Most of us have something in our character that we wish we didn't have. Those of us who don't, fall into one of a three categories: (1) we are too prideful to recognize our own faults, (2) we really don't have any faults and are therefore on this earth only to bless the lives of others or create some kind of standard (only Christ falls into this category), or (3) we know we have faults, but we don't care whether or not we have them. I have flaws and I'm trying to work them out of my character. But, sometimes we stumble and we may believe that becoming perfect is completely unattainable. Here is where C.S. Lewis' book really struck me. Although speaking about chastity, this quote can be applied to anything:
We may, indeed be sure that perfect chastity - like perfect charity - will not be attained by any merely human efforts. You must ask for God's help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important chastity (or courage, or truthfulness, or any other virtue) may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul with are more important still. (2001, p. 101).This gives me so much hope! And perspective! We may never be perfect in this life, but we can sure try. And we must! So, for all of us thinking we're doomed because we continue to make mistakes, the only real mistake is not getting up after we fall.
Lewis, C.S. (2001). Mere Christianity. San Fransisco: HarperSanFransisco.
Great memories John! I remembers so well you getting sucked out in the rip and thinking "why isn't he paddling out of it?" just to find out you only had half a board and were at risk of cutting yourself up on the sharp fiberglass and attracting all those nice little sharkies that surely were not too far away. Great adventure. Dad
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