Definitions:
Mistake: An act or judgment that is misguided or wrong
Waste: Discarded as worthless, defective, or of no use
Recycle: An act or process of converting a waste into a usable material
Upcycle: Reuse a discarded object or material in such a way as now to create a product of higher value than the original
Reuse: To use something again
Kintsugi art: A Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery with gold, rendering a new piece more exquisite than before the break.
(Merriam-Webster online dictionary)
Nothing is ever wasted, and nothing is ever a mistake. It is all part of God’s plan.
If one writes a beautiful piece of music or a compilation of short stories, never to have the music performed or the stories published, is it considered a waste? If someone majors in a particular field yet decides to work in one different than their degree, does that make the academic degree significant a mistake? In yoga practice, one can attempt to balance in dancer pose repeatedly, always falling out of the pose, never achieving the balance, yet does this necessarily mean that returning to practice the pose repeatedly is a waste of time? The answer to the above questions is no because nothing is ever a mistake, and nothing is ever wasted according to God’s plan. It may not have anything about achieving the pose, pursuing a career, writing stories, or composing music. It may have everything to do with letting go of ego, developing persistence, accepting the challenge, and moving beyond limits on the self.
God provides a purpose for everything. Even though His reason and rationale may not be evident to the human eye, there is a reason for everything. God makes no mistakes. However, when something changes in life, especially if viewed negatively, it is often considered a mistake. For example, if someone majors in a subject matter of interest yet cannot work in the field because it is oversaturated, it is viewed as a mistake and a waste of a four-year degree. Yet, learning and acquiring knowledge is always well-spent. It is simple: God has different plans for applying the acquired knowledge. Far too often, society views a linear path from point A to B to C. Yet the plans God has mapped out are anything but linear.
Dr. Donna Jagielski
Blessings Balance Breath Yoga provides yoga to youth and adults who are underrepresented, underserved, marginalized, and justice-impacted. Dr. Jagielski also serves as the Health & Wellness teacher at a re-entry organization in Phoenix and an adjunct professor at a Christian university.