Brenda’s Blog – September 5, 2023
“Not my fault – not my fault – not my fault!”
Walking down the hall with my arms full of folded laundry I heard my preschooler’s voice repeating “Not my fault.” I quickly delivered the piles to each person’s room then walked back to see son Jeff sitting alone on the floor.
“Jeff, what are doing?” “I am practicing in case Heather and Meredith get me in trouble.” His older sisters often pointed at this cute little blonde boy when they were the guilty ones.
He is now a husband, father of four, and pastor. His grown sisters look up to their “little brother,” respecting him for his integrity and love for the Lord.
Whenever I remember this moment I recognize we live in a culture of blame. We suffer the consequences of too much “not my fault,” practice. Our attitude of sidestepping responsibility is now ingrown and accepted. Group faces off against group; ideology garners support while demeaning another ideology. One worldview espouses “passing the buck” and naming others as oppressors. Teaching young ones to quickly respond, “My fault (or “my bad!) – I am sorry – or forgive me” is a challenge, but one of the healthiest exercises for maturity.
The grace of God is sufficient to provide redemption and reconciliation. Accepting our shortcomings without blaming it on society, family relationships, opportunity, or even God leads to joy. We can continue to sit on the floor and chant “not my fault, not my fault, not my fault” but what a loss. Let’s get up, “man (or woman) up” and live as contributing adults.