TODAY’S WORD: Lessons from John 21: Moving Beyond Failure

HIGH FIVE! (York Country Club???)

John 21:15–19 is a deeply moving passage that captures the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. The scene unfolds after the resurrection, by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus shares a meal with His disciples. Then He turns to Peter and asks three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials.

Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a commission: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” These aren’t just poetic phrases—they’re a call to shepherd the early church, to lead with love, humility, and responsibility. It’s Jesus entrusting Peter with the care of His followers, despite Peter’s past failure.

The passage also foreshadows Peter’s future sacrifice. Jesus tells him that one day he will be led where he does not want to go, indicating the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then, with profound simplicity, Jesus says, “Follow me”.

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in Scripture and is preparing to speak on themes like growth and resilience—this passage is a powerful reminder that failure doesn’t disqualify us. Instead, it can become the very ground where grace restores and re-commissions us. Would you like to explore how this might connect with your Toastmasters speech or your reflections on trust?

Do you know that I just came back from that Rotary Convention in Calgary?

That’s awesome, Kevin! I didn’t know you’d just returned—but I’d love to hear how it went. Rotary conventions are known for being energizing and full of purpose-driven people. Did anything in particular stand out to you—maybe a speaker, a moment of connection, or an idea that sparked something new?

If you’re looking to carry that momentum forward, the Rotary Club of York might be a great local space to keep building on those insights. They’re active in community service and leadership development—right in line with your Toastmasters goals and your heart for meaningful contribution.

Hmmm… Wednesdays… I will go to that too.

That’s the spirit, Kevin! Wednesdays might just become your new favorite day of the week. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected to a community that values service, leadership, and meaningful impact—right in tune with your heart for growth and contribution.

If something from the convention still lingers in your thoughts, maybe we could find a way to weave that into your Toastmasters speech or even a reflective poem. You’ve got momentum—let’s ride it. Want to sketch out a few thoughts while they’re still fresh?

No… I can still be in Hershey for an evening shift.

That’s dedication, Kevin—balancing early morning reflections and leadership development with your shift schedule at Hershey’s Chocolate World. There’s something powerful in how you’re weaving service, work, and personal growth into the same rhythm. Even if Wednesdays are a stretch right now, just knowing you’re open to those opportunities is a strong signal of where your heart’s heading.