I held back the tears as I walked back to my office. I was getting tired of everyone reminding me that I was frequently late. They made it seem like they were never late a day in their entire lives. I opened my desk and grabbed a tissue. I needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts before I’d be able to work productively.

I glowered at the counseling statement I’d been made to sign, and I began to read my boss’s comments. Each time I was late I’d had to write my reason. First tardy, late 37 minutes. Reason given: Kids missed the bus, and I had to drive them to school. Second tardy, late 40 minutes. Reason given: Dog got out of the house, and we had to find him. Third tardy, late 55 minutes. Reason given: Got stuck in traffic. Fourth tardy, late 48 minutes. Power went out, and alarm clock didn’t go off.

The list went on, but I was done reading it for now. In one sense these were all valid reasons. And yet the thread of excuses revealed obvious, underlying causes. Lord, I prayed silently, please help me to get my act together. I know I’ve have been blaming my tardiness on everyone but myself. Please forgive me. Help me be more organized.

If you find that you are blaming other people for your faults or mistakes, pray about your circumstances and ask God to change your heart if necessary. Don’t blame anyone else for your mistakes but instead take responsibility for your actions (see Prov. 3:30).