When my son Blake was about eight, we went to the desert one day to have a paintball gun encounter. It was going to be a great family day with a few friends. My sons and I and a few friends were all there having team paintball battles when Blake arrived. Blake came a little later than the rest of us as he had another commitment that conflicted. Immediately, when my wife dropped Blake off at the desert he was upset because someone was using “his” gun. He went on and on in his complaining and wouldn’t stop. I warned Blake that he was going to be sent home if he continued. He saw my wife drive away, so he was certain this was just a threat and would never happen. He never stopped with his attitude and complaining and so action needed to be taken.
I called my wife back and asked her to return to pick Blake up, as he wasn’t yielding or relenting, making enjoyment of the activity difficult for any of us. When my wife showed back up, I threw young Blake over my shoulder and headed through the desert brush back to the car.
When he saw the car and realized his paintball experience was over, his tune began to change. He went from angry and belligerent to crying and pleading. He begged me not to send him home. He tried every bit of reasoning he could think of. He said, “Dad, please just give me another chance.” I told him that he had been given numerous warnings and numerous chances to stop, but he wouldn’t stop. It was about a 90-second walk back to the car through the desert and his pleading went on for some time.
Finally, as we neared the car in a final desperate last plea, Blake said something I will
never forget, “Dad, please, please give me a second chance; Heavenly Father always gives second chances.” I have learned many lessons in my life, but the lesson I have learned most forcefully and most frequently is what Blake reminded me of that day. God always gives second chances. If you are one of the Sixty currently idly waiting in the marketplace, not yet enlisted, please remember that we believe in a God of second chances.