The Art of Writing Mistakes

Most people don’t have second thoughts about grammar and punctuation – until there is a mistake.

Recently, I saw a Facebook post sharing different signs, sentences, and sayings with typos. I couldn’t help but chuckle. For example, one fast food restaurant had a big sign out front with the words, “New cookie cough shakes.”

That doesn’t sound too COVID-19-friendly.

Then, there was a parking sign that read, “Private customer parking only. All others will be toad.”

It’s been said that words have power, but so do errors. And these examples made me laugh. As a writer, I know how embarrassing it is to be at fault for them.

I will always remember one of my biggest writing blunders. I had written a paper on Ronald Reagan for my college history class. I was so proud of my work. The only problem? Every time, I used the man’s name, I spelled it “Regan.” This particular gaffe gave my professor such a laugh that he asked me how to spell it in front of the class – it was only then that I realized what I’d done.

I can still hear Proverbs 16:18 replaying in my mind. … Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Looking back, amid the other slew of grammar mistakes I’ve made (perhaps even the ones in the draft of this blog), that instance makes me laugh even now. But in the moment? I wanted nothing more than to crawl under my desk and hide. It was a silly fault, but one that stuck with me.

Our spiritual walks can sometimes parallel those writing errors. Expect instead of minor mistakes, we can allow sin to interfere with the Lord’s plan for our life.

We all know no one is perfect, but sometimes we get hung up on the little things like misspelling a former president’s name. Except, it isn’t a name – it’s things such as doubts, insecurities, and temptations that set our day of kilter.

Instead of searching for grace, we allow these things to change the course of our thoughts, and, consequently, our actions. When it comes to my life, I don’t want to rejoice in my mistakes or life-shaking moments. I’d rather no one know of my imperfections.

If there was ever a Bible character who understood this – I think it would be King David. Throughout his life, the Bible records many intentional sins David committed. Except his sins weren’t minor. He committed adultery and murder. After he made those decisions, he could have sat, sulked, and shied away from the presence of God.

But he made a different choice.

In Acts 13:22, the Bible reveals something important about David.

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

While the Lord didn’t excuse those sins, He also didn’t allow them to ruin His relationship with David. He actually used him to accomplish His will and be listed as one of the most important rulers ever. In fact, David is the only one the Bible records as having a heart after the Lord’s. Talk about high praise! Throughout his life, David continually sought the Lord amid battle, strife, and times of celebration. 

The Lord didn’t let sin end David’s story because of his choices. Instead, He used them to teach us that while actions have consequences, there is nothing too messy for His grace.

Today, I am thankful that He is good even when we are not. Give yourself grace and live in the fullness of His wonderful love!