Liking Mistakes
I love this video. (And, in case you were wondering, I had already planned on posting it today before making my own mistake yesterday about when the conclave to choose the next Pope begins. 🙂 )
Here’s what I love: recognizing that mistakes are unavoidable; that life, actually, is about making mistakes. How else do we learn? How do we grow and move forward if we are afraid to make mistakes. Creativity in life and leadership – whether in a family, classroom, church, business, or community – demands taking risks. And those who want to avoid the risk, avoid making mistakes, simply cannot respond to their calling fully.
In this sense, I was particularly intrigued by Chris Staley’s reference to the “craftsmanship of risk.” Chris is Professor of Ceramics at Penn State University, and he was talking about artists who work with their hands, but I think that could be applied to everyone who is trying to fulfill a calling. We are each called, I think, to the craftsmanship of risk both when it comes to making something and when it comes caring for the world and people God has placed around us.
So what if we think about mistakes not as something to be avoided, but something to be learned from. “Make a mistake everyday,” one of our kids’ favorite teachers regularly tells them, “just make it a different one.”
But can we take it further? Can we imagine that mistakes are what makes us distinctive, unique, and in this sense crafted by God the way that cup Chris holds was crafted by an artisan with an off-center blue speck that makes it not just different but precious? I wonder. When I think back on my life so far, I am defined as much by my mistakes as by my successes, and not always or even largely in a negative or regret-filled way. I’ve made mistakes and been made by my mistakes, and at this point in the game there are very few that I would trade away.
What about you? How have mistakes shaped who you are? Which ones would you not trade? Are you willing to like mistakes?
Notes: 1) If you are receiving this post by email, you may need to click here to watch the video.
2) Thanks to Lori Greene, my “mosaic muse” at Mosaic on a Stick, who pointed me to this video. Mosaic artists have a saying that I love and have applied well beyond the studio: “there are no mistakes in mosaic, just opportunities to be creative.”
opportunities
to be creative
mosaic mistakes
One of the most moving videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks for posting.
Most of know mistakes happen and that we and others judge us by our mistakes not often taking into account balancing them against our successes.
During my “retirement” years I reflect on things I could have done better or should have not done at all. Not one of these can be changed. I can try not to
dwell on them but move forward. I am in the process of finishing building a
21′ cruising boat that was going to be perfect. Instead when I look at it I see
More mistakes than anticipated rather than see a boat the is structurally sound And functional and will carry my wife and I on trips we have planned. The launching will be within two weeks. The way it could have been perfect was not build it at all. Just dream about doing it. Never take the risk of putting thoughts into action. Lot of things are like this in relationships and life.
Take the chances with faith and correct things you can as you move along.
Craig
It is heartwarming to know that this college professor really cared for his students.
I’ve got lots of mistakes to remember, and I do learn from some of them, although it is hard because learning from them means making real changes in my life.