Do you do "dumb" things? I do. Not because I want to. I don't. I'm not talking about your average "mistake because you were in a hurry" thing. I'm talking about a major "what was I thinking" thing, a foolish thing, like putting the reds in the washer with the whites. I'm talking about the kind of thing that you are embarrassed to even think about, let alone tell someone.

I did one of those "dumb" things recently. I learned two things. First, when I do a "dumb" thing, it is best to admit it/apologize for it right away. There is no value in making excuses or pretending that it didn't happen. Second, when I do a "dumb" thing, I am all the more grateful for God's grace. "Dumb" things have a way of eating at me. The accusing voice quickly and severely points out my foolishness. That voice suggests that if I am capable of such foolishness, I must not be any good or of any value to God. That is why God's grace is so helpful. It is undeserved kindness for people like me who don't deserve it. It is unconditional acceptance for people like me whose condition is frightfully imperfect. It is divine acceptance and value affirmed even for people like me who do "dumb" things.