How often have you heard the phrase “history repeats itself.” Probably more times than you can count. Although it seems true, it is not true. History does not repeat itself. One thing is true, we rarely learn from history and the mistakes of others.
History and time run in linear fashion. You might have to pause a moment to let that soak in. Time on earth keeps marching forward. To that we would all agree. Because it does, there is another important truth would be wise to embrace. Every decision we make has either a benefit or a consequence. When we hear of a tragedy that could have been avoided, we wish our friend, loved one, or that total stranger who is the lead story on the evening news would have made a wiser decision.
Tony (actual name changed) was a young man who went to church. He was a great kid. A good-looking young man with tons of potential. One evening, Tony and his friends decided to go joyriding. Just an evening of innocent fun.
During the evening, one of the boys decided, in the heat of the moment, it would be fun to rob a convenience store. The plan was concocted. “The four of us can go into the store, grab a few snacks and something to drink and make our getaway. It will be four of us against one clerk. Simple.” In that moment everyone chimed in, “Let’s do it.”
They selected a store they were familiar with. When they arrived, the parking lot was empty. Just what they had hoped for. They reviewed the plan. Go into the store. Take a few things. Make a quick getaway. Everyone agreed.
When they entered the store and began to carry out the plan, the clerk was resistant. There was a scuffle. What Tony did not know was, one of his friends had a gun. During the scuffle a shot rang out. In that moment, the convenience store clerk was on the floor, dead.
Within hours, the boys were all arrested and incarcerated. Days later when I visited Tony, my heart was broken for him. I don’t think I have ever seen such hopelessness and despair. Here was a young man with tons of potential, talented, and a great future ahead of him. But his life was totally altered that night by one decision, “Let’s do it.” Tony did not pull the trigger but nonetheless his life was totally altered that night. If only Tony and his friends would have made a different, wiser decision.
Even though history does not repeat itself, we can learn from the mistakes of others. Let us all remember and help our children and young adults embrace a sobering truth – every decision we make has a positive benefit or a negative consequence. A life altering consequence. That goes for us as well.
