Mistakes Happen – Practice Honesty!

 

We all make mistakes. Maybe you were playing too excitedly and knocked something over. You could have spilled something and made a mess. Have you ever broken something by accident? I would be surprised if you haven’t. In all of these circumstances, the most important thing is to admit your mistake. Hiding it really doesn’t work very well.

I remember one time when I was young that I knocked a lamp over and it broke. I wanted to just set it up and hope someone else bumped it so they would get blamed, but that wouldn’t be right. I could hide it, right? No, that would catch up to me later also. I mean it’s kind of obvious when a lamp goes missing. So I told my parents. What I found out was that it had already been broken before and it just needed re-glued. I felt so much better after I had told the truth.

Sometimes we might have to make restitution for our carelessness. Restitution is when we make it right. If I break someone’s toy because I wasn’t being careful, it is a good thing to replace it. If I spill something because I was goofing around, I should help clean it up. If I break a window with my ball, I may need to replace it or do chores to make up for it. Sometimes the person will not ask you to replace it; they may just be glad you let them know. That’s why your parents have insurance. It’s for accidents.

Being honest when you make a mistake will help people to trust you. That is very important. If you can be trusted, you will get to do more things on your own. We all like to be independent. But first we need to show that we can be trusted. Proverbs 16:13 says “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.”

Helpful Hints:

1. Don’t try to cover up your accidents or mistakes .Ask someone to help.

2. Offer to fix, clean up, or replace what has been messed up or broken.

3. Try to listen to directions and act carefully so you can avoid accidents.

4. Don’t try to make excuses or blame someone else. Take responsibility for your actions.

5. Be a good friend and encourage others to be honest also.

Remember, your parents (and grandparents) love you very much and want the best for you. Even when things seem really bad, they can help you figure out a solution. Never be afraid to admit when you goof up. We have all been there!.

Love Papaw.