It wasn't the first time I installed a thermostat, but it was the first time I did it wrong. I figured, who needs instructions? It's just a few wires and a couple of settings on the screen. I've done it before and only had about 20 free minutes, so let's go. Much to my surprise, I was awoken in the middle of the night by an angry mob wondering why the house was 80 degrees and the heat was blowing non-stop when the unit was set to cool.
Non-ideal sleeping conditions…Hmmm...I should have read some instructions. Strike one! I heard my own voice saying: "If you don't have time to do it right, you sure don't have time to do it twice."
As I tried to comprehend the situation, I found myself confused, a little embarrassed for doing it wrong, frustrated, and tired. So, I reacted poorly, turned it off and just said I'll fix it in the morning, and went back to bed. Strike two!
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." James 5:13-16
Doing the next right thing many times starts with a healthy dose of humility. Admitting you were wrong, seeking forgiveness, and accepting you don't know everything is a pretty good launching point.
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
We all have issues and need grace from each other and from God. I'm super thankful for the times in my life when my actions offer the opportunity to prove this point. Bad moments don't make bad people. They simply create opportunities to receive grace and extend grace. What a gift!
The next time you find yourself in need of a little heavenly gravy to cover up a bad-tasting moment, just ask for it. God gives grace to the humble (and thankfully for me, so does a loving wife!) Don't be too proud to read instructions, ask for forgiveness, and pray for one another.
Now off to find those instructions...or an electrician...