This Macbook Pro is 6 years old. I’ve replaced the hard drive. It is filthy on the outside. It has dents and scratches. It still works well, but occasionally I have to perform the most basic of computer tricks to keep it working. Turn it off and back on again. For some reason, it’s system needs to reboot to get going again. I haven’t given up on this computer and plan on using it for a while to come.
I can’t tell you how many stops and starts I’ve had in my life. Renewed commitment that eventually wanes. An exercise routine that fades away. Healthy eating habits that revert to the way things used to be. Each time brings more guilt than the last. A more complete feeling of failure and misery. That I don’t deserve another chance and yet…
You and I are in good company. Adam. Abraham. Moses. Jacob. David. Jonah. Peter. Paul. All great men that at some point(or many points) needed a reboot. Something happens that causes us to need to reset things. To find our True North. What makes it much harder these days is that each of our failed restarts has been documented on Social Media. Everybody knows we didn’t write that book, keep that blog going, start that business, meet those goals, lose that weight, get that promotion, make that list, amount to anything, etc. I think we would be surprised how few people are keeping score on us because they are experiencing the exact same thing. There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to rebooting, restarting, or repenting. On the contrary, it’s a shame when we don’t do these things.
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” I believe Jesus meant those words. I believe our God is one who allows 1,000 reboots to get us to that fulfilled life. He’s patient with us, forgiving with us, gentle with us, and above all He is FOR us. As I type this I am looking at a list of life goals I made for my 40th birthday. At first glance, it is terribly depressing. I missed the mark on so many. However, there are so many great things I’ve been able to do the past 2 years, dreams come true, that weren’t even on the list. That list is not a failure to me now. It’s simply a missed deadline, and God is giving me an extension. Do you need to reboot? Are you afraid that you’ve used all of your chances? Are you embarrassed by the prospect of announcing to the world that you are trying again? Today is a new day. Lamentations 3: 22-23 says,”Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Sounds like God is giving you a 2nd(or 1000th) chance. Seize it. Own it. Reboot. You won’t regret it.
PS. If you’re trying to figure out how to talk to people about Election 2016 then listen to our episode of the Double Dropkick Show doing just that.