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Years ago, in my construction days, one of my site supervisors phoned me about a major problem. Jeff's crew was constructing the stair system on a new home and discovered a significant design flaw. The floor, walls, rafters, and decking were in place before Jeff noticed that the landing on the stairs protruded into a window; this was a considerable setback and blooper! The home was a Williamsburg design with a symmetrical façade, so removing one of ten windows would destroy her symmetry.
I pulled onto the job site, and the entire crew met me at my truck door. Aware of the magnitude of the problem, they said, "What are we going to do, Bossman?" All eyes were on me. Jeff's entire crew was happy about the extended smoke break but most eager to see my reaction. They were watching me like a hawk! I was a successful businessman but primarily known to be a Jesus-follower. My insides were turning with fright. This was no small problem, and I did not have a clue what to do. Worst case scenario, we would have to disassemble the roof system, remove the walls, and start over by designing a floor plan where the stairs didn't terminate into a window. It was my problem as the company owner and the one who drew the blueprints. But, was it my problem?
Again, the guys were fixated on me and eager to see my reaction. I trusted the God of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths," but I struggled to let go of my thoughts. I could hear God say, "acknowledge Me" and "I will direct your path." I felt a peace that He would make a way even amid my blooper, but I did not expect what was about to happen.
So, I called a prayer meeting and told the guys that we would ask God what to do. "Okay," they said. The hats came off, soft drinks and cigarettes were laid aside, and we circled up. I led a prayer something like this: "Lord, I goofed! Please help us come up with a solution to this major problem. As 1 Peter 5:7 says, we cast our cares on You and trust You to complete Your plan. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
A solution came to mind before Jeff's hat made it back to his head. We could delete the two windows on each side of the front door and shift the spacing of the others; this would also make it aesthetically pleasing. Not only that, but God gave me another idea. I instructed Jeff to add a nook in the space where the old window would have been. "Did God tell you what to do, Bossman?" they asked. Yes, He did!
Fast-forward six months: the home was completed, and we had an appealing nook feature at the bottom of the oak stair landing. The first customer to tour the new home purchased it for the total asking price! Why? She said, "When I walked in and saw that nook, it reminded me of my childhood home, and I just had to have this house." She explained to the closing attorney how she knew it was the house for their family when she saw that nook. I smiled, fully realizing how God had turned my blooper into a blessing.
What mistake do you need to turn over to the direction of Almighty God? Are you willing to trust Him to turn your bloopers into blessings? He is a great God and can only do good! Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus will take your blooper and turn it into a blessing!
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