There Are No Re-Dos

I read somewhere that a person never steps into the same river twice. I am trying to remember where I read it (Do you know where?). The premise is true because the water you stepped in has washed past, and now it is entirely different water that would cool your aching feet.

I would like to expand the idea of not stepping into the same river with this: We never do the same thing twice— There are no re-dos. We may move the same muscles and use the same tools to accomplish a similar task a hundred times an hour, like my grandfather working for Henry Ford at the Highland Park Assembly during the 1920s. He repeatedly put the same part onto the frame of Model-Ts. He even helped build his own black beauty as it passed the workstation he manned.

The difference is in the experience. We repeat tasks all the time, but we fail to notice the incremental changes that have occurred within us before, during,and after the event. Those minuscule changes that infiltrate our being and, over time, lead to adjustments, maturity, and new skills.

I remember the first time I spoke in front of a large audience. What I remember most is how I felt when I spoke and during the constructive criticism phase after the talk. The experience changed my life and the way I speak. Now, after a couple thousand talks, I recognize the different trajectory those early comments and encouragements from people I trusted, made. A small change then led to an new course being plotted in my life.

You are not the same as yesterday’s you. Today is different. You are different and God is good!

Make your different count right now.

Make a difference for someone else while your at it—it could change a life.

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