Do you ever feel like you are judged by one or two mistakes, instead of praised for all the good things you have did?
I realize this is graduation season. My simple message to those finishing school and entering the next stage in life is that people will scrutinize, analyze and memorize your shortcomings. The key is to always do your best and respond strongly in the face of adversity. Simply put, try to use your errors as learning tools and do not make the same ones twice.
It seems easy to get onto someone for making a mishap, when you couldn't have did it better, or you are tearing that person down to build yourself up.
The Bible says as paraphrased let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Therefore, I say, if your house isn't made of glass and you are mistake free, hurl those cruel stones at will.
We're only human so we will mess up and stumble in life's journey. Think of when you learned to walk. You started out crawling, then falling, and eventually walking. However, most all of us unintentionally trip and fall at some points in our lives.
So what do you do? Keep living, keep learning and keep loving each other. Help the other person up when they fall, instead of kicking them while they are down. They don't need to be reminded of the shortcoming or setback. You should help them prepare for their comeback.
I swear I didn't try to turn this piece into a commencent speech but it has taken that turn. Life is cruel and unfair, and only the tough survive. Keep a strong support system and God on your side, and every mistake and accomplishment will seem more meaningful and uplifting.
One thing is for sure, no one was born into the world without fault. Perfection and excellence is learned and practiced. Therefore stay at it and avoid the stones of those who think that one slip-up defines you. Become that definition of yourself.
How do you respond when folks pester you about a mistake? What is one of the most significant mistakes you have made?
