My older boys and I have been watching a series together. It is a sci-fi series, and the ethics of time travel were involved. A favorite side character met an untimely end, and another character wanted to use time travel to erase the bad decisions she had made that led to this tragic event. I wanted to see this as well. The person was a good character, a good role model, and the main characters had a lot to learn from him.
My kids, who are usually on my side regarding the rewriting of timelines, said no. This character met an epic and gruesome end, and in his final moments still managed to slay the monster responsible, save his estranged wife and his marriage, and die in her arms as they said their good-byes and told each other they loved each other.
That made me think about why I wanted the character back. I didn't want him back for him. I wanted him back for her. She would never have to live with the repercussions of her selfish decisions. She could stop being angry and sad.
On the surface, it is a very attractive idea to have a do-over button in life. Every bad decision could be erased. But... how could I grow in humility if I never have to face the consequences of my actions? How many of my bad decisions, and facing the eventual consequences, led to my meeting and marrying my husband?
Have mercy on me, O God, in accord with Your kindness; in Your abundant compassion wipe away my offenses.
Wash me completely from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.
For I am fully aware of my offense, and my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in Your sight.
Therefore, You are right in accusing me and just in passing judgement...
But You desire sincerity of heart; and You endow my innermost being with wisdom.
Sprinkle me with hyssop so that I may be cleansed; wash me until I am whiter than snow.
Let me experience joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed exult.
Hide Your face from my sins and wipe out all my offenses.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a resolute spirit within me.
Do not cast me out from Your presence or take away from me Your Holy Spirit.
Restore to me the joy of being saved and grant me the strength of a generous spirit.
I will teach Your ways to the wicked, and sinners will return to You...
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim Your praise.
For You take no delight in sacrifice; if I were to make a burnt offering, You would refuse to accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a contrite and humble heart, O God, You will not spurn. Psalm 51: 3-6, 8-15, 17-19
The Lord restores Jerusalem and gathers together the dispersed people of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147: 2-3
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