The Errors of Our Ways: A Deeper Purpose

We've all heard of the refrain " you learn from your mistakes" and I, for one, have been a recipient of learning from quite a few; but here's a new thought, what about sharing them? Coming from a Christian background, this is often called "sharing your testimony" . The purpose of this act is to glorify God and publicly verbalized His grace in your life. Regardless of your background however, we all make mistakes, some are silly blunders that could probably win us a nice cash prize on America's Funniest Videos but others are a little more serious. These are the mistakes that can create unspoken pain and suffering in our lives, events that have happened which we regret and would rather sweep under the proverbial rug of life. But there is beauty in the ugliness of our errors and even, a greater purpose as I'll show you in a minute.
Many times I've been guilty of reflecting on past episodes in my life and thinking of twenty different directions I wish they could have gone. Before I continue, please let me clarify the following: I'm speaking about "mistakes" not unfortunate circumstances that fall on us out of our control. There are circumstances which we could never foresee coming our way and yet they still fall on us, no, I am bringing up the decisions we consciously commit and decide to go through with. "Make your bed and lie in it" or "Digging your own grave" are popular sayings often used to describe these self prescribed situations in our lives. Regardless of the reason we make certain decisions; being naive, stupid or young (or a nice combination of both) and yes, let's not forget the most seemingly harmless one:good intentions. One of my favorite arguments for this quote is " the road to hell is paved with good intentions" this blunt expression knocks good sense into me every time. Now, before you cast this blog into cyberspace and accuse it of being too bleak and sad, let me assure you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Our past blunders, have made useful fodder for something which we could never capture while we were making them. While we are rolling around in regret and slapping our foreheads silly we never consider how they could be used for the good of others. Now, before you grab the nearest microphone in a room filled with hundreds of strangers please consider what you're going to say and yes, pray about it before hand. You would be surprised how God can use this experience to touch the lives of people around you. I am impressed when I come across a successful woman or man, I consider it great when I listen about the awards they've won and the books they've published, but nothing leaves more of an impact on me than when they share their flaws. You see, its the transparency of a human being which is the main ingredient for what most people seek, and that is sincerity. People will never truly open up to you or see you as a trustworthy source unless they feel that you are as flawed as they. That you, with all your awards, scripted speeches and published books also have insecurities, struggle with certain issues and are ultimately as flawed as they. Then the two of you can breathe a sigh of relief as you both realize that the burden of 'keeping it all together' is facade that is too heavy for anyone to bear. You can share in your imperfections, learn from them and grow together. If you have risen above your negative circumstances, the greatest benefit of sharing your errors is when the person looking and or listening to you can say to themselves, "if they can make it, so can I". You have now become a beacon of hope.
Your mistakes can be a seed of growth inside one person whom possibly, you will never meet again or touch the lives of many people in a single setting. It takes true courage to remove the masks that we place securely on our faces each day. It is a risk that you take when you pour out your soul to a person and admit the mistakes you've committed in life and yes, you are even at risk of being judged, whispered about and criticized behind closed doors. However, if you can see beyond the horizon of these immaturities you will see a greater good when you show you're imperfections. You are showing a genuine human being, a humble soul and someone who is more concerned about the growth of others despite the embarrassment of what you did in the past. As you grow older, wiser and climb of the ladder of life, as you take on the role of business executive or house mom you will be an inspiration to others and even those that see you as someone who has life going well (and perhaps there will be moments in your life that you do) just remember, that there is beauty in the ugliness of our past mistakes and they can not only help those around you but ultimately refine your own character. See yourself as a beautiful crystal vase with deep cracks in it representing your past, at first glance, its easy to judge the vase by its cracks and doubt it can hold any water or serve its true purpose, but those who study it carefully can see it is held together by something stronger; God's grace, forgiveness, love and acceptance. You can learn more than you think from broken things.
God bless you all and keep sharing.