Behind Infinity

A few days ago I made a mistake–omitted a step–in a web project I was working on for a freelance client. As far as screwups go, it wasn’t inconsequential, but it wasn’t enormous either; it fell somewhere in between. I fixed the problem and apologized for my oversight, and the client’s response was, “You are forgiven.” And that was that.

For some reason, in spite of my screwup, I felt good about the whole situation. I think it was because my client didn’t try to minimize or brush aside my apology with something like, “Oh, no biggie,” or “don’t worry about it,” or “everybody makes mistakes,” or “It’s ok.” The fault was acknowledged (by both of us); forgiveness sought; absolution extended in the most matter-of-fact language, without any sidestepping.

And this rather insignificant encounter reminded me that admitting fault doesn’t kill you. While our knee-jerk reaction when somebody admits fault is to immediately minimize it for them–you’re not that bad really!–that doesn’t actually do anything for the faulty person. Generally she goes away feeling even more faulty(”Yes but if you only knew how bad I really am….”). An honest acknowledgment of guilt, met with honesty, forgiveness, and graciousness, is better for both parties involved.

God forgives our faults, the large ones and the small, in great things and small. Remembering that and practicing it in daily life is not necessarily easy; but it is rewarding.