The students in the classroom began murmuring that Einstein had made a mistake. This was Einstein! How could this genius get such a simple equation wrong? The correct answer 9 × 10 = 90, not 91. All of Einstein’s students ridiculed him.

     So, Einstein waited for everyone to be silent, then presented a powerful lesson that no one soon would forget:

     Many scientific advances were the result of accidents. Penicillin was discovered after Alexander Fleming left his petri dish in the open air. Two weeks later, he found that a mold had grown which deterred the advancement of influenza.

     Unfortunately, Einstein was correct in his assessment of society. We are a people who focus on the mistakes others make. The irony as James, the brother of Jesus, points out is that we all stumble. With a wink and a nod, James claims that none of us is perfect.

     However, our imperfections actually may be a strength in disguise. The Irish novelist, James Joyce, once said, “Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Of course, it’s vital that we learn from our errors to keep us from repeating them. When you lose (and you will) be sure you don’t lose the lesson. Make it your goal to be wiser tomorrow than you are today.

     Whether you are a parent, a boss, or a neighbor, creating a culture that allows for others to make mistakes is critical for children, employees, and those with whom we interact every day. So, give yourself and the people around you a break. Grant everyone the same grace you long to receive when you blow it. Take it from Einstein. Perfection isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.