sugar_cannister_spillMost people do not find it a challenge to get motivated to act. That sounds wrong but think about it: In our culture, we have the mentality of “I want that and I’m going to get it.” The problem we often run into is not getting up for the challenge, it’s getting back up when the challenge knocks us down.

At that point, many people will throw their hands in the air and say “can’t do it! can’t be done! tried and failed time to move on!” and walk away. This they say after spending countless hours or days or weeks prepping for the challenge only to give up at the first sign of trouble.

Henry Ford flopped five times over before he finally figured out how to make a car. R. H. Macey (yes, that guy from Miracle on 34th Street, same dude) had to close seven stores before finally finding success. It’s a good thing he didn’t name the first one after himself like he did the eighth! Colonel Sanders (not a Colonel) was rejected here and there (literally over ONE THOUSAND times) before he finally sold his secret chicken recipe and started KFC.

It happens.

I can speak from experience. I am, you may not know, a bit of a…let’s say “connoisseur of the sauces Bar, B and Q.” If you’ve never had my homemade BBQ sauce, with its secret blend of herbs and spices and a pinch of that truly elusive magic ingredient (love), then you’re missing out. It’s delicious on chicken, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, sop it up with bread, put it on some ribs…

It’s good.

Making it, however, can be a pain. Without giving away the confidential method I will confess that sugar is a primary ingredient. And not just brown sugar, but good old fashioned granulated white sugar. If you’ve ever cooked you know that stuff makes a mess. No matter how steady your hand may be, if the recipe calls for a heaping spoonful expect some to wind up on the floor. And if you’re cooking in large amounts you want to make sure you have a solid grip on the bag.

Because it’s no fun when you spill the sugar.

Sometimes things don’t go the way they’re supposed to. You’re not perfect. You can’t be if you tried. Don’t take my word for it:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

See? You did try and so did I. We all tried and we all failed. That’s where Jesus comes in. He helps us clean up the mess we made and gives the assurance that He will be there for us the next time we make a mess. And the next time. And the next.

Until eventually, after so many years with Him at our side, we realize that we don’t make as big a mess as we used to. He’s rubbed off on us and helped us better ourselves. We’ll still make mistakes but not as many and not as often.

Sometimes you spill the sugar, but don’t cry (save that for the spilled milk), just keep at it and let the Carpenter keep molding.