"Tomorrow I will start my diet." This is never true, points out my student Barb, who is writing a brilliant, funny book on weight loss. Same with the statement, "Tomorrow I will start my new book." These are just lies we tell ourselves. We aren't capable of starting over, because we never feel "new and improved."
There is a sense that we must be perfect now, or at least pretend to be perfect. And we think we could be, too. If only.
But it all flows into one. Yesterday is part of today, and yesterday's flaws were integral.
The failings and lessons and slippages of yesterday are beautiful in the light of redemption. To redeem means to recover, to offset. It's not about wiping everything out; what redemption does is transform the way we look at everything. Our lives can be just as they are, the rough spots, the smooth. We see how it's all offset by love.
Today's shortcomings are all right. No need to insist on a brand new tomorrow, a demarcation of day or hour.
We humans, too, can be recovered. Don't throw them out! Nevermind the flaws. They can be salvaged.
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