As I was finishing up a small home project indoors on this beautiful Sunday mid-morning, my eldest son came running to the window, screaming there was water gushing out of the ground. He said he was digging a hole when suddenly he hit something with the pickax. Immediately I knew it was the main water line.
I ran through the garage, picked up a few wrenches, and ran across the yard toward the back where I could see water spraying out across the yard. Like a mad man, I was screaming, “How did you manage to break the pipe? What were you doing! Now we’re going to be here all day!” After the screaming subsided, I could see the look of disappointment on his face.
Afterward, I felt terrible. It indeed was an accident, and I blamed myself for not warning my son the day before when I saw him digging near the area. My wife then reminded me of how my sons emulate me when they undertake these kinds of projects.
At that moment, I realized they are observing my entire life as an example for themselves—they’re’ taking it all in. I then immediately apologized and told him that together we would fix the problem. I also mentioned how we need to take these as learning moments to make the most of a mistake.
In the end, he learned how to repair and strengthen a pipe, and I, our relationship.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Psalm 127:3-5 for yourself.
Pray:
How do you handle your children’s mistakes? How do you handle your own? Be real, be honest, and be vulnerable.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Create a plan of action on how you will react to mistakes before they happen. Keep in mind how God handles your mistakes. Be specific.
Share / Show:
Share this with another man and have them hold you accountable.
