I once heard a powerful acronym for the word shame: Should HAve Mastered Everything. It resounded in me. I know this kind of shame, a kind of deep embarrassment over a failure or misstep. It is paralyzing and harsh. Shame, in its proper role, can be appropriate and helpful in redirecting me to godly choices, but not as a severe reaction to a simple correction. In this case, I appreciate the witty acronym, reminding me to ease up, no one is perfect.
God gave His perfect Son to accomplish what I cannot. My part is to do my very best and remain open to His discipline and correction, so that He may give me good direction. God corrects me because He loves me, as a father with his child. He knows I haven’t, nor will I ever, master everything. This gives me an opportunity to depend on Him!
Discipline and love. God provides these to guide and keep me. I must practice discipline, according to His word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I must also treat myself with love, taking care to see myself as He sees me–not as a master in the making, but fearfully and wonderfully made by my Master.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:19
Meeting God at the Park 