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The gift of another chance

 By Mercy Manyema

Imagine if we could not start over - like never ever be able to try again. Imagine if in all things we could only have one shot at it, and if that failed, that would be the end of it. For one thing, I think we would have far more cases of depression and anxiety. 

When I posted last week's story I realised that the very first blog I posted on here was around the same date, in 2022. I realised that it is actually true that May is a time of reflection for me (see post 11 May 2026). But I didn't post anything else since then. When I started, I had every intention of continuing but life happened, I focused on other things and it just didn't happen. I was grateful to have that first post still here. I was also grateful to have the chance to continue what I started. Not everything needs another chance, but it sure is good to have the chance when you need it.


When God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1-31), He built opportunities to start over in our timeline. Every turn of the hour is a chance to start over. Each new day is an opportunity to start afresh. The start of every new week is a chance to reset and try again with new vigour and energy. Each new month presents the possibility to do things differently. When the seasons give way to each other we get to enjoy God's creation differently. And of course at the turn of each year, our hopes are renewed, and we forge ahead with fresh conviction and confidence.

Whatever situation you find yourself navigating, remember that there is an opportunity to try again in that very moment. Sometimes we make mistakes that cost us dearly, but there is always a chance to try again, to rebuild. In 1 John 2:1-2 we are told that even if we should sin, we have an Advocate with the Father who will plead our case. Perhaps you have neglected a task, or a promise you made to yourself or  to someone else - if you are reading this you still have the chance to make it right. Proverbs 24:16 reassures us that "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again" (NLT). It could be a failure, betrayal or loss that has caused you distress and pain, but remember, we have the gift of another chance - another chance to try again, to rebuild, to reconcile, to forgive, to be forgiven, to try again.


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