by
Lars Hindsley
on Wed 13 Feb 2008 10:48 AM EST
Second chances. Familiar with this term? We all are. What does it really mean? It seems to mean different things under many circumstances. It has a different perspective of course to the person asking and the person giving the second chance. But does it have different meaning?
I don't think been in many second chance situations. But I've had to offer many. And I've had that term thrown at me countless times. It is usually served up in tandem with "I've changed". Dangerous words.
Folks, when that comes, you should damn well your second chance is not a second chance. It's an opening to regain what was lost and that is all.
And the meaning itself seems to have been twisted. After all, we've even resorted to the term, many second chances. You know what I mean right? How many of us have said, "How many second chances to I have to give you?"
If you are like me, eventually you become a miser with your second chances. They become a commodity. There is only so many to be had with me and if you get one, it's the real deal now.
My advice to you today is to remember that you providing second chances to people in life, defines you. It says a lot about you. How many you give may say you are a forgiving person. How few you give puts value on those chances and earns you respect. Providing them willy-nilly means you can be easily duped or used.
Consider how you give them. Give some thought to the "second chance" you give.
Now if you are receiving a second chance, you should take it serious. Because not everyone gives third chances and if you are sincere in your effort you will learn from what ... more »