April Fools Day - Backfired :-(

Several years ago a friend and I were playing practical jokes on each other -- it was all meant to be good fun. But we got out of hand. So we agreed not to do that anymore. Well my high play ethic and my spontaneous impulsiveness got the better of me today.

It was the continuation of an April Fools joke played on me and I encouraged the individual to play it on others as well. And, of course, I helped with the deception. This wasn't one of those April Fools jokes where you switch the salt and the sugar type pranks. This was one that too closely mimicked real life. It took advantage of the goodness of other individuals and also squandered trust amongst friends. What's more, I ignored the check in my spirit (probably a prompting from God) that said, "this isn't right."

No one was physically hurt and we didn't mean harm, but . . .
I am confident of forgiveness and grace from all involved, but I am saddened that I used, as a joke, the trust of friendship. I remember someone saying when I was a kid, "well it is all fun until someone pokes out an eye." Well, I feel like I pokes some friends in the eye today and to be honest -- it wasn't that fun.

a partner in the gospel
Pastor Paul