Sometimes A Do Over Is The Best Place To Begin

Like an unexpected car accident, there are some life altering events that don't allow for a do-over. Our personal relationships are bit different, though sometimes they may feel like a total car wreck, a do-over can be the best place to begin when attempting to unravel an offense. The kind of offense I like to call a flesh wound.

A do-over is a simple way of partnering with the one's we love to administer amazing grace into a thoughtless moment of mangled insensitivity. A do-over serves as a non-confrontational way to admit that we've seen our error and the horrible chain of events it brings.

When we botch our first attempt, we end up getting the exact opposite of the best laid plans we envisioned in our minds. If given a second chance to do it again, except this time without the angry response or minus the cutting remark, would you jump at the opportunity to get it right? I would.

Going out that door, then coming back in to greet each other in a way that produces a loving response can often deliver the kind of levity a relational car wreck moment requires. It's okay to giggle during a do-over and realize that the end result we're both after is knowing we're loved.

Choosing a loving response instead of a rejecting one that only leads to isolation. Rejection sucks! So why continue down that path?

Each of us have the power in our relationships to agree on a do-over. Remember that granting a do-over means you qualify to get the same in return. Because you never know when you'll need one. Many times in the heat of an unexpected battle we all error, saying and doing things we never imagined possible.  More than words, a perfectly timed second chance can bring the start of healing for those unscheduled flesh wounds.

It would be painfully difficult for me to add up all the times I've blurted out a poorly timed remark in the direction of my wife or made a comment to her that I wished I could take back seconds after I launched it across the room. The longer I spend committed to my marriage, the more I find I'm in desperate need of a frequent do-over. Trusting in our investment of love does help to pave the way for getting it right.

I really blew that welcome home tonight honey. Can I have a do-over?

Comments

[David Goad]

Nice to see you writing again Mr. Besilly. They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. But you're right, the first impression is not always the best representation of who you are. It's the last impression that matters more and lasts longer.

[mr. besilly]

Thanks David for the comment! I have always appreciated my 11 faithful readers.

[Atc]

Oh to be the one who lives through a do over must be one of the most exhilarating experiences in one's life!

I have just been rejected from someone who I have loved more than any other on this earth, and now the reality of little to no investment has imprinted a deep scar upon my heart once hopeful, now dead...
Death does not allow for a do over.
So what now?