In golf they call it a “Mulligan.” If you don’t know golf, think free do-over. The shot was so bad you take a “mulligan.” You forego that shot and wherever it ended up, and take another-a free shot. It’s considered free because the other doesn’t count. (I bet pros wish they could do that occasionally). When I played golf, I was so bad because I played so infrequently, that they should have named the course after me and called it Mulligans.
In all seriousness though, we all have moments in our past we wish we could do over. Regret. Shame. Sin. Pattern. Lost temper. Angry words. Second lingering glance. I wish I could do over the time I saw my first Playboy at the age of 8. Seeds were embedded I knew not of. How many time have you heard or read of embezzlers who said, “I wish I’d never take that first dollar”?
The old adage is “Be sure your sins will find you out.” Proverbs 12:14 says, “From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.” (Emphasis mine) It’s that last phrase which comes back to me. I’ve heard stories of builders who took shortcuts and used shoddy material only to watch their project implode and with it their reputation.
The rage several years ago was to write a letter to “Dear younger self.” I never did. I guess I saw it as an effort in futility because I couldn’t change a thing. However, I must admit: I’d like to sometimes call “Mulligan!” Even now.
“Father, what’s done is done. I can’t change that; neither can you. You can’t undo what has been done and since I don’t have a time machine neither can I. But the future can be different. Guide my steps so mulligans aren’t needed.”
Oh boy! Can I relate…Thanks, Bill.
You’re welcome Diane.
No Mulligan’s in life…But I guess there isn’t a real need for one when Jesus ripped up the score card.
The fact that I can’t change what has been done, only what I can do moving forward. Easier said than done at times to look ahead rather than look back, but it makes for better life.
You are right Ryan. No Mulligans (except the restaurant close by here). 🙂 But I’m with you on easier said than done.
No, we certainly can’t alter the past, Bill, but we can most certainly trust God for our future.
Blessings!
True that Martha. I prefer to let Him handle my past and my future.