Friends,
 
Did you ever have a certain thing you were responsible for...and you messed it up...and then panicked?
 
Have you ever been in a relationship with someone and let them down and then you weren't so sure how to handle it the next time you saw them?
 
Or has someone let you down?  Or dropped the ball when they were supposed to do something?
 
Seems like if you're going to be in relationship with other human beings, which I completely endorse because that is what we're designed to be...then sometimes things are going to get rough.  And maybe, every once in awhile, someone will say something they shouldn't have, forget to follow through, not trust you (or you them) and feelings might just get hurt.
 
What do you do in those times?
 
This might shock you, but I want to highlight an interaction that Jesus had with his disciple.  Peter was fishing in the wrong place and not listening to Jesus' direction on where to cast the net.  When he finally does, he can't barely pull in the net because it's so full.  And when he finally realizes that Jesus was right, Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." Luke 5:8,10

When you let someone down and don't trust them when they are right and have your best interest at heart, there can be shame and doubts and hurt feelings.
 
But notice that Jesus doesn't say: "I told you so, you big jerk!"
 
No, instead in his words to Peter he forgives, loves and even gives more responsibility.
 
I thought back on my day yesterday...Father's Day.  My kids are probably very unlike your kids...we can't barely get through an hour without another "teachable moment" (aka...them screwing up, and me not having the perfect response)   I spent a lot of time yesterday reflecting on what an honor and privilege it is to be a parent and what an amazing task I have everyday.
 
Do I respond to them how Jesus responded to Peter?  In the midst of their weaknesses, do I cut them slack, show them grace and even help them trust more by giving them more responsibility?
 
As someone who more clearly represents Peter's consistently inconsistent faith, I'm glad Jesus is more like Jesus to me than I am to others.
 
What relationships are you in?
 
With your kids?
 
With your parents?
 
Family?
 
In your Fire Hall?
 
In the community?
 
In the park?
 
On the walk?
 
At the office?
 
In your church?
 
Interact with anyone named Peter lately? 
 
Lord, help me be grace-filled please.  Amen
 
Still in One Peace,
ps
 

Friends,
 
I had a long meeting yesterday afternoon...was supposed to be four hours but it lasted almost five hours.  Very slow.  Mainly because the foursome in front of us did not move fast!  The site of the meeting was Arrowhead Golf Course...yes, all you who I texted, called, Facebooked and e-mailed...sorry...I was driving (a golf cart) and texting.  Summer is almost over here in WNY so I'm trying to maximize my outdoor time.
 
But here's what was interesting to me during yesterday's round of golf, I tried out a new golf club.  Since the early 90's, I had an older model Big Bertha Driver and now they make these drivers that are essentially phonebooks attached to a yard stick.  So for my birthday, some family members rubbed a couple nickels together for me and now I own a new Taylor Made Draw Driver golf club. (fancy golfing name...don't let it confuse you)
 
Here's where it gets more interesting.  It's a club that helps control my "controlled fade."  (For those of you who have not golfed with me, my mantra is "swing hard in case you make contact" so my ball usually goes 250 yards out and 150 yards left).  AND THE CLUB ACTUALLY WORKED!!!  The unnamed guy I was playing with was SHOCKED and ALARMED when my ball actually stayed in the fairway we were currently playing.  So what took me so long to change to a better club?
 
I had heard the news.  I knew somewhere in the back corner of my twisted little brain that things could improve.  But either because I'm stubborn and thought I could work it out myself without actually changing anything -or- I just didn't want to admit that the "controlled fade" was actually a "wicked and violent slice"....either way, I did the same thing over and over again expecting different result.  Insanity, I know.
 
Now I guess it's OK to attempt insanity on the golf course because it's just a game...but what about life?  Faith?  Relationships?
 
Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.  Psalm 6:4

I found it interesting this morning that the writer of this Psalm is asking the Lord to change direction...but is this writer changing anything?
 
Have you ever done that in your prayer life?  (Hypothetical prayer that Steve has said many times..) "Dear God, could you fix everything that is going wrong while I just do the same stupid things over and over!?"
 
What about in our relationships with the people we love?  Our friends?  Our actions at work?  Our words on the field?  Our interactions with our parents and kids?
 
The good news for today is that the faith technology is there.  God will turn toward us.  God will open his arms again.  God will forgive.  God will help us and strengthen us for a new path...a better way...a different strategy.
 
But will you turn today?
 
Will you change?
 
Or will you keep swinging hard, barely making contact with an uncontrollable slice?
 
There are better ways to play the game.
 
Lord, help me straighten this thing out!  Amen
 
Still in One Peace,
ps