Hey there, y’all! For once I can say that I’m back without saying, “It has been a minute.” It’s a Sunday evening as I write this post, and it’s been one of those weeks that overloaded my brain. I was more emotional this past week than I’ve been in a very long time. I’ve dealt with so much the last year that I didn’t think I could become this overwhelmed with emotions as I have the last few days.
Have you ever sat and analyzed your life? All of the things you’ve done in your life whether they are right or wrong? I’ve sat and mulled over my life choices a little too much lately that it has completely given me an overwhelmed mind. There isn’t a single person in this world that can say they have done everything right. “For we all fall short of the glory of the Lord.” However friends, there is one thing that I can tell you. Even our worst decisions help make us into the persons that we are today. I’m going to share a story with you. One that I can say isn’t one of my proudest moments. I have no excuse for my actions; however, I’ve learned that if you are quick to react the consequences are greater.
When I was married, I always had a very close relationship with my mother-in-law. After all, I moved to Iowa when I was just seventeen years old. I had zero family or friends in Iowa when I moved here. My mother-in-law was more like a mother to me. It was crazy! We talked several times a day for many years. Then one day something changed. She got her feelings hurt. I got my feelings hurt. My husband got his feelings hurt, and my father-in-law got his feelings hurt. Each of us did things that none of us would be proud of. Here’s what I want to share though. One day, and I don’t remember what led up to it, but she called me about something and it turned into a disagreement. My son had a football game that weekend coming, and I said to her, “Just don’t even come to the game.” If she showed up it would just makes things awkward for everyone including my children. My husband was out of town that weekend. You guessed it. She and my father-in-law showed up to the game. They did this out of spite and to just show they can do as they wish. At least that was my husband and my perspective. That’s not the worst part. My girls and I walked by and they started to try and talk to the girls. I said, “Come on girls, you aren’t going to talk to them right now.” My mother-in-law still to this day will say that I said, “you aren’t going to talk to those people.” It was a really awkward position to be put it. Either way, it isn’t one of my proudest moments. They were still my kids’ grandparents, and they wanted to support my son by watching him play football. Was I being selfish? I don’t know, but I’m not ashamed to admit my faults.
I suppose you’re wondering why I would share this shameful story. I want to be real with you. I want you to know that we all have faults, and we all learn and grow from them. Most recently, I made a decision that affected others. It was not a decision of selfish intent. In fact, I wasn’t looking to even be put into a place to have to make a decision of such; however, I was, and I had to make the decision that was best for me. I learned through my mistakes, my own heartache, and my own life lessons that we must make the decisions in life that are going to make ourselves happy. I did that. I made the decision to be happy. In doing so, it has caused some hate from others. It has caused slander from others. I sat reading my Bible looking for some answers on how to handle the situation. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” This verse speaks so clearly. For we all sin, therefore no one should be casting any stones against someone. There isn’t any sin greater than another. We should be living in a way that promotes harmony and edifies or builds others up.
I read a quote by Linda Dillow, and she said it best. “When you return a blessing for an insult, you will inherit a blessing.” It is simply easy to return insult for insult, but when you return an insult for a blessing you will reap great reward. You see, anyone can hate. If you live with hate in your heart it will consume you. You can’t live a life full of happiness if you allow the hate to consume you. This is why we must learn from our mistakes and grow to become the best versions of ourselves. Would I change who I am today? Absolutely not. Would I change the mistakes I’ve made? I definitely would not. I say this because they have helped me grow. They have given me new perspectives. These mistakes have allowed me to look at situations from multiple angles.
Learn from your mistakes. Do things that will bless others. Invest in yourself. We are all unique. That’s why it is important to give each other grace when we go through stumbling blocks in life. Christ was the most humbled soul. He lived a life of humility, and because of his life of humility we are offered salvation and forgiveness for all of the times are are imperfect. We are called to follow Christ’s example. Forgive. Live humbly. Live boldly. Be a light.
I pray this message leaves you blessed, and that we can all learn from one another to live a life full of love and grace!
Much love,
Jessica
Front Porch Diary 