This is a guest post written by my “man of steel”, Keary. He wrote this a couple of months ago and I thought it was appropriate to share at the beginning of the year.
God is the God of second chances. When we fail, He is there to pick us up. I am so thankful for His mercy and His grace. However, our society is not so forgiving.
I am not one to deal in absolutes. As an employer, there have been instances where I have given an associate another chance. Part of my responsibilities include teaching and training, and when mistakes occur, they are opportunities to learn and grow. Of course, certain offenses that violate a code of conduct will not allow for a second chance.
Last year, my wife, daughter, and I went to a local restaurant for lunch after church on Sunday. In the past, we had been to this particular establishment several times per year. Every previous experience had been fine. However this time, our service was terrible. I complained at the checkout and my daughter called management later that day to complain as well.
Today, my wife and I went back to this restaurant for the first time since our bad experience. Well I have to say that everything went good like previous times there before the last one. In fact, our service was better than at recent visits at other restaurants in our area.
I am glad that my wife suggested that we give this location another try. Men, it is a wise thing to listen to your spouse ( that’s something to elaborate on at another time LOL). Anyhow, my point is that as believers, we should be more open to give others a second chance. In that way, we demonstrate God’s love to others and that is what we are called to do.
heart4theworld says
Yeah dad!!
pcobb0 says
Yeah dad is right!
Rebeca Jones says
Well said. Being in the restaurant industry, I am amazed at how many people will publicly complain/bad mouth someone’s business based on one bad experience. I appreciate that you made your complaint to the management, thus giving them opportunity to actually fix the problem. On behalf of restaurant owners everywhere, may I say thank you for being gracious and giving them another chance. 🙂
Of course, being in the habit of giving second chances is good practice in many circumstances. What an example of forgiveness we can show to the watching world, simply by showing graciousness in bestowing that second chance. Blessings to you!
pcobb0 says
We have been guilty of publicly complaining in the past but have learned through the years to go to the source and give the management the benefit of the doubt, especially in the case of service. We are also excellent tippers and will tip accordingly. However, we never stiff the server unless it is terrible and you can tell when someone is new and trying and when someone is terrible and doesn’t care. Good luck with your restaurant.