“I Failed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“Did your son bring lunch today?”

The text message flashed across my phone screen. I immediately knew what happened. The previous evening, after my son went to bed, I prepared a lunch for him and left it in the refrigerator. My son diligently puts his lunch in his backpack every morning before we leave for his therapy sessions. However, this morning, he didn’t know it was there. Fortunately, his therapy classes are ten minutes from our home, and I raced over to deliver his lunch. When I saw his therapist standing with him outside the entrance, I expected him to be happy. Instead, he was clearly upset. I apologized to both of them, explaining that I had forgotten to tell my son I had prepared the lunch. Several hours later, when I picked him up at the end of his session, he was still upset, but this time, on the verge of tears. I attempted to encourage him and said, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about your lunch, but you know Daddy and Mommy would never forget about you. We always take care of you. C’mon, let’s listen to your favorite radio station.”

I thought everything was back to normal, but an hour later, I received a text message from his therapist, addressed to my wife and me. “Just wanted to share with the two of you that your son seemed visibly emotional (teary-eyed) today, when he realized he forgot his lunch. We talked about advocating and communicating with us so we can help. He was in better spirits after you brought lunch, but it definitely threw him off, so I wanted to share. Thanks for bringing the lunch over.”

I thanked the therapist for the text. My wife did not respond, but did pick up my son from a later therapy session, then took him to his basketball practice. Later that evening, she shared with me that on the way home, he was a bit quieter, and when she spoke to my son, she did not mention the lunch. To her surprise, my son told her, “I failed.” When she asked him about it, he replied, “I forgot my lunch.” My wife reassured him that he did not fail and that we both love him very much and will always take care of him.

I was saddened after my wife told me this. That evening, as I tucked my son into bed, I told him, “Hey Buddy.! Always remember, you are a winner! God loves you. Daddy and Mommy love you. Your sister loves you. Your teachers and friends love you.” I hugged him once again.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

Only my son thought he failed. He carried that hurt with him the entire day. We knew he didn’t fail, but he needed reassurance. As I reflected upon this day, I understood why God must continually do the same for us. How many times have I thought I have failed God, and how many times has he patiently reminded me that I am not a failure in His eyes? He will never leave nor forsake me. I can believe this through God’s eternal promise by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. We are more than conquerors through faith and belief in Him!

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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