Middle of the Lane

Was it on the track, on the playing field or in the pool?  How focused were you during your last race? Years ago, while swimming the 100-yard backstroke, I drifted to the side of my lane as the turn approached.  Exploding off the wall after my flip-turn I looked up and saw the lane line floating directly overhead. Not good!   

Life, like swimming, comes with relational lane lines.  Straying, even accidentally, can cause us to collide with and hurt others. Drifting left or right with gossip, social media conflict, unclear expectations or assumed priorities can bruise, tear, and break friendships. The Bible tells us to be mindful of the course corrections needed when we cross personal "lane lines." 

Here are three biblical course corrections when you drift:  

Forgiveness heals what is bruised.  Regardless of whether someone else apologizes, God wants me to release grudges and correct my course based on His example.  God helps me bandage my bruise, correct my drift, and get back in the race.   

Reconciliation heals what is torn. Imagine what happens when my friend and I, both, drift into the lane line.  We drag each other’s wake.  We scrape each other’s leg, suit, and arm.  Returning to the middle of our lanes requires mutual effort to heal the hurt we both caused and overcome the offenses shared between us. Together, we repair the tear.     

Restoration heals what is broken.  Time mends what breaks.  Proceeding cautiously through forgiveness and reconciliation, we mend and exercise brokenness.  Restoration is a process, not an event.  There are no shortcuts.  Given time and careful course corrections we exercise and strengthen our bonds.  Mended breaks never look the same but, by God’s grace, they become stronger and tougher. 

Faith is anchored by do-over confidence knowing that forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration can overcome drift. Paul encourages us to "be at peace with everyone, so far as it depends on you" (Romans 12:18).