How Many Chances Do We Get?

How many attempts do we get in this life? Is there some sort of set number or is it just until we get it right? 

Now don't get me wrong, I am all for giving people chances. Personally, I go by the "3 strikes and you are out" rule. Even with only 3 chances I've been told I am too lenient with people. I don't mind giving people opportunities to right their wrongs. But what really confuses me is when people who consistently mess up keep getting more chances. 

I love my brother to pieces. He is my blood, he is my family. That is a permanent bond that allots for more than the usual number of chances. He has made many wrong choices so far in his short life and in my opinion, he has yet to really pay the price. He is one lucky kid and has been given many many chances to change his path. Unfortunately, he has yet to get on the straight and narrow. It breaks my heart to get my hopes up that maybe this time he'll change, maybe this time someone finally got through to him that he's had an epiphany that will let him see the right way. Maybe he'll see the love in his daughter's eyes and that will inspire him to change his life so he can be there for her. I just wish I could break through the cloud that surrounds him. I just keep praying and hoping it will happen for him one day soon because I don't know when his chances are going to run out. I am nervous because he has been given another great opportunity to turn his life around and I just don't know what he'll do with it. I know if it were me what I would do all I can do is hope he will do the same.

So I wonder how many chances do we all get to get things right? Usually this time of year brings a lot of joy, but for some it brings a great sadness as they mourn the loss of loved ones. How much time do we have with one another? How often do we take each other for granted and assume they'll always be around? I know I am guilty of this. This just reminds me that I need to try my best to make time count with my loved ones. I know it is unreasonable to make each and every moment count. All I can hope for is that at the end of each day, we can look back at it and say it was a good one. 

There are quite a few random thoughts flying around my head nowadays due to the impending deployment. From making the most of  the time I have left with the Hubs to wondering why people feel the need to put down on others to make themselves look better. I'll save that thought for another day. I'll leave this blog on a positive note with a photo of my new improved organized closet!