Realize that everyone deserves a second chance.

People are going to let you down. Hopefully not often, but it will happen. If you are living with purpose, exhibiting integrity and blazing the trail, most of the world can’t keep up with you. And they will fall short of where you would like them to be. I have a very good friend who is one of the hardest working, compassionate and intelligent men I have ever known. He also expects everyone he meets to be at that same level. I have tried to tell him many times that it is not fair to hold the world at the same level where he holds himself accountable. His argument back to me is “If I don’t demand excellence from them, who will?” And I see his point. But the drive for excellence must come from within. I honestly believe that the vast majority of us are trying to do our best. We may be stuck in a rut. We may be lost or directionless. But for the most part, we are trying. So, when your neighbor fails to live up to what you would like them to do, forgive. When your friend flakes on your plans again, reschedule. When your partner lets you down, offer grace. Grace is a precious resource that we could all use more of. All of us will fall short, at one point or another. Every one. Hopefully, we will grant just a touch of grace from to that friend or loved one when they need it. And maybe we will receive it when it is our turn to fall as well.