There is a lesson to be learned from almost everything in life. Some of those lessons are enriching and guide us going forward.

Other lessons, well, they are difficult and they challenge us to be better, to do things differently.

One of the lessons that has stayed with me my whole life was learned when I was about four years old.

I was colouring in a colouring book in the back seat of the family car. We had just arrived at home and, before getting out of the car, I turned the page to start colouring another picture.

My dad, who was watching, said to me, “don’t start colouring another picture until you finish colouring the picture you are on.” 

That little sentence has stayed with me my entire life. The lesson I learned was “finish what you start”.

There have been many lessons learned along the way. Many have not been as impactful as that lesson my dad taught me that day. 

Some of the lessons have hurt. 

For a while I had difficulty with sharp instruments – like hand saws and utility knives. People were even hesitant to let me hold a knife with a sharp edge. 

I had cut myself sawing off the bottom of a door … while propping the door up with my knee and my left hand. When the door slipped, I almost severed the tendon of my index finger. 

About three months later, I took five stitches to the top of the same finger while using a utility knife to cut some fiber board for a sliding door.

I learned that I should have the proper tools and properly secure an object before I cut it. 

But that is nothing like the lesson I just learned.

I was using a Q-tip to clean my ears. … I have been using Q-tips on my ears for decades, so really, what could I possibly learn about cleaning my ears? 

Ya, I’ve seen the commercials about the special screw-type ear thingies that remove ear wax like an auger. But I like Q-tips; I’m proficient with them. And I get the originals. I don’t settle for some cheap ear swabs that basically feel like you are using a stick in your ear.

Well, the other day, I had a Q-tip in my left ear when I noticed that some hair on my head was out of place. So I swiped at the hair … and literally drove the Q-tip into my ear. 

Oh, baby, that was painful!

After reeling for a few moments, I had to leave for an appointment. On the way, my ear still felt sore and, when I put my finger in my ear, I realized it was bleeding.

The last two days I’ve been picking dried blood from that ear. I may have to see my doctor to make sure there isn’t any permanent damage. 

So what was the lesson learned? Well, that’s simple: don’t use a Q-tip while looking at yourself in the mirror. That’s what got me into trouble.

Here’s the thing: With so many experiences in our life time, we need to wisely learn the lessons that will benefit us as we journey on. The greatest lesson we can learn is that we all mess up and sin, but God will forgive us if we will place our faith in Jesus Christ. We get tons of practice to learn this lesson. The question is will we learn it? 

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What life lessons have you learned lately? Leave your comments and questions below.

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