dailydatewithgod

One pivotal idea that I learned in recovery is the distinction between making a mistake and being a mistake.  Growing up based on the circumstance, I drew the conclusion that they were one and the same.  My goal then became to not make any mistakes and if I did which is human, I was mortified.  I was sure I had failed even if it was as simple as having the wrong answer in class at school. Later on, as a teacher, I came across the saying which I posted in my classroom:  ” The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.”  I posted it but on a deeper level, I did not believe it.  I still wanted to be the one who gave the information without correction needed.  Teaching middle school made it relatively easy because most of the students still think the teacher is right most of the time.  When I got into recovery, working with a sponsor taught me what it was like to received loving correction.  Her voice was not as loud and demeaning as the one in my head.  Her voice was not as shame ridden as the one in my head.  Then as my daily dates with God began I learned that the only mistakes we make are the ones we learn nothing from. Making room for correction that comes from the heart is about course correction, not condemnation.  At a time when we may find ourselves operating in the fear stories of our mind that tells us if we do not do this correctly, we will die, it is good to know that the soft gentle voice of correction for any possible missteps is as accessible as our breath.