"Do Over"

I remember from my child hood the long trusted policy of "do overs" echoing from ball fields and backyards.  Many a time we would call out, "do over" after a failed attempt, but hardly did anyone chide the response.  In fact, most (if not all) everyone would concede to the request of getting another try.  Now in my adult life, we still evoke that same request, though now we call them mulligans. 

Mary has started to display an interest in sports (much to my delight) and now she loves to take a small bat and ball in the backyard to play with her old man.  I'm loving this.  Even when she throws the ball far away from me, I'm reliving a great memory of playing catch with my old man.  Good memories.  And yes, dad, I'm trying to teach her to make a good catch and make a good throw.  She will often cry out "do over" when something doesn't work according to her plan, and I'm quick to grant that request.

Typically, I need mulligans on a daily basis.  Since I'm charged with an awesome responsibility (and loving it) to speak into lives the redemptive love of Christ, I make many mistakes.  Many.  Did I say many?  I mean many.  In fact, I often ask for a mulligan on that shot, and calmly drop another ball.  In my feeble attempt at playing golf, I always (and I mean always) carry at least three golf balls in my pockets, since I play golf, hunt, and fish at the same time.  Hunt for lost balls in the woods and fish them out of the water...while actually playing golf.  There are many times that I need mulligans in my speech, actions, facial expressions, or internal prejudices.

It is quite difficult to represent Christ in a challenging culture without requiring a mulligan.  Yet, Christ really does want us imperfect human beings to speak into the lives around us.  My neighbors see the best and worst in me.  They see my good days and my bad days.  They see me dressed in coat and tie, and they see me in shorts and t-shirt ready to be tossed into the dumpster.  They see me laugh, and they see me ready to explode in anger over a delightful 5 year old.  They see it all.  That is why I need mulligans in life, so they can see I'm not perfect, just forgiven, and God desires to offer hope to all who will seek Him.

The next time you make a mistake, just remember that God allows mulligans...ask Him.