THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE PUDDLE

We’ve all heard the adage, “Don’t cry over spilled milk." But what about spilled wine?  Years ago, Manhattan wine merchant William Sokolin had reason to shed more than a few tears over a broken bottle of vino. While showing off his prized 1787 Chateau Margaux, valued at more than a half-million dollars, he accidentally bumped it, producing a crack in the bottle. As the wine began to drip out and gather on the floor, it created what some termed "the most expensive puddle in history." The manager of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York, where the accident occurred, dipped his finger in the small pool. His tasting note: "Yuck." (Source: People Magazine, 5/1/5/89, Via K-Love radio)

Such is the nature of life. We all encounter situations that cannot be reversed. We take our eyes off the road and wreck our car, or say something really embarrassing, or lose our temper and lash out at a loved one. The list is endless. Try as we might, no amount of regret can reverse it. We can apologize and ask forgiveness...which often produces healing. But it doesn't remove the blunder. How we long to turn back time, and undo our bad choices! Like children at play, we wish for a "do-over". 

Of course, those rules don't apply to God. He's not restricted by time or space, and has unlimited power. He gives infinite "do-overs."  He promises, "I will remember your sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). If God doesn't remember our mistakes, then why should we? Not only does He give second chances, but 10th chances and 341st chances, and...This doesn't mean you'll blissfully escape the consequences of sin. It simply means it's not the end of the story. 

God is in the restoration business. He restores position, power and popularity. He heals families, friendships and fortunes. Following a devastating locust invasion, the Lord promises his people, "I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten. (Joel 2:25). God loves to transform tragedy into triumph, taking the worst thing we've ever experienced and converting it into the best thing that could ever happen to us. The process is certainly not fun, but the results are amazing. Remember that, the next time you're tempted to cry over spilled milk...or spilled wine.