Since the first of December 2010, the list of excuses I have heard has been lengthy. They include busy holidays; out of town; company in town; snow-ice; sick; snow-ice; Super Bowl; Jerry's fault; and of course, snow and ice. Before anyone comments, yes, I know that I have not written anything here since November 2010. Why you ask - see the list above!
The sad truth is that we all tend to make excuses for the things that we fail to do and for the things we did. On the golf course, I usually try to let my fellow players know how bad or stiff my back is on that particular day. If I get behind with emails or phone messages - do you know how many people dropped by the office unexpected - all with emergencies?
From sports to politics to business to religion and even to family, we all have a tendency to cover ourselves with a blanket of excuses. I just wonder - are we trying to convince everyone else that we are really perfect despite being overwhelmed by emergencies or suffering from pain. My guess is that no one - not even our mothers - really see any of us as perfect. Afterall, even grandparents, if they are really honest, must admit the lack of perfection even in their grandchildren by age 13, if not sooner.
I am thankful that God didn't discard us at the first hint of our need to make excuses. Remember it was when God asked Adam if he had eaten of the tree that God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from, Adam exclaimed, "the woman you gave me the fruit." We have all been offering excuses ever since. But God sent His Son Jesus into our world to pay the price of all our wrongs and excuses.
The truth is, I have no excuse for neglecting this blog. I just procrastinated. I don't want to abuse God's gift of forgiveness by constantly doing things wrong or by sinning so that I cover myself by excuses. But I sure am grateful that He extends forgiveness to someone like me - a person who knows no better than to try and cover my sin with excuses.
