It is unseasonably cool for early August in Virginia. I’m not saying I mind, just wondering where the summer went. As I look toward fall and try to wrap my head around the new school year, I see a full and exciting future. You see, I’m a failure, with a capital F.

I failed in my first (few) attempt at blogging.

I failed in decluttering my house.

I failed in teaching my children everything I set out to teach them, like how to make their beds everyday. Nope, my bed isn’t made either. Fail.

I failed to take a vacation.

I failed to write the articles I planned.

I failed to accomplish numerous other projects, goals, and tasks – and that’s just so far this year!

So this fall, I’m embracing the opportunity to try again, and fail again, but maybe I will get a little closer to success in the process. I haven’t figured out how to make it all work, but I know several ways that don’t work for me. 

I am reminded of Philippians 3:13, in my paraphrase: I haven’t arrived yet, but with every failure I get back up and try again, moving forward to reach the goal.

So my future is full of hope because I get a new start. Right now, it is the new school year; in January it is the new calendar year; and each morning, God’s mercies are new for me to start a fresh new day.

Like they say on the Mythbusters show, failure is always an option, and with each failure we gain new knowledge. I’m sure my year, or my day, will not be failure-free, but I look forward to fresh insights and new starts.

~Alyse