Apologetic Lawn Clippings

When I was 15, I got caught sneaking into my girlfriend’s house to hang out while her parents were gone. Her mom came home early from a trip, and let’s just say, I got busted.

The next day, I found out that her dad wanted me to come to their house and apologize to him like a man. He was 6’5”, in the military, and very intimidating—especially to a 15-year-old. But I went anyway. When I showed up, he was mowing the lawn. I walked up, introduced myself, and apologized.

He then told me I was welcome to come over again, but only if someone was home.

It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be wrong. But like David in the Bible, we have to walk into judgment and show repentance. When we truly feel repentance, we are forgiven and healed. It may be painful, but when you come out the other side, you gain a new perspective.

Riding the public bus home with grass clippings in my shoes, I was relieved. Facing the fear gave me the ability to hold my head up high and not shrink into the shadows of shame.

A year later, after coming home from a run, he collapsed in front of his family. His heart stopped, and I received a call shortly after. In his grace, he had given me an opportunity to make things right, and that will never be forgotten.

Giving a person the opportunity to apologize is one of the greatest gifts we can give. God offers it to us daily—and as I stumble through life’s path, I know that when I reach out for a hand, His is always there to lift me up.

Since that day, whenever I look at lawn clippings, I feel humbled. With a smile on my face, I say thank you.

Thank you for gifting me the opportunity to apologize.