March 8 Bible Reading Plan

Life is too short to learn from your own mistakes; learn from other people’s mistakes. -Vacation House Rules

I admit it—I've become old! I have injured myself while sleeping. Leaving the house after nine p.m. seems like a crazy notion to me, and I enjoy watching HGTV! It's all downhill from here!

Of course, I joke; my best years are still ahead. But I am indeed getting older. And you know what? I'm loving every moment of it. It's also true that I enjoy home repair shows.

The quote we started this devotional with is from a show called Vacation House Rules, where they take rundown vacation houses and make them into beautiful retreats.

In one episode, two brothers in their early twenties asked the host to help them turn their rundown ranch into a vacation destination. But they went further. They said they not only wanted his help but also wanted him to teach them how to do what he did.

The host didn't get intimidated or territorial. Instead, he took the challenge and taught them how to do what he does. He made them roll up their sleeves and work alongside him. As they worked, he told them why he was doing what he was doing and why it was the best way to achieve long-term results.

He truly exemplified his own words. "Life is too short to learn from your own mistakes; learn from other people's mistakes." (1)

What a great attitude. It is one we all must embrace in our lives.

I personally have benefitted from other men who have this attitude. Not wanting to see me fail, they shared their wisdom and experience of times they made mistakes and how I can avoid the same potholes in life.

I now try to do the same. I have made many mistakes in my life and suffered the consequences of these mistakes. Why would I want someone else to go through the same thing? If my mistakes can help others soar over the mistakes damage-free, I will happily be vulnerable and share my stupidity to help them.

Life really is too short, especially in God's Kingdom. Every minute not spent digging your way out of a mess can be used to grow God's kingdom.

An unbreakable man understands this and is willing to learn from other men's mistakes. He is also willing to share his mistakes with the next generation so they can avoid them. It takes being both teachable and vulnerable, but it is the heart of an unbreakable man!

Bibliography:

1. “Wild West Oasis.” Vacation House Rules, created by Scott McGillivray, season 5, episode 4, McGillivray Group, 2024.