Massive Mortification

Have you ever been mortified by something you’ve done? If so, today’s the day to tell your story. It’s National Awkward Moments Day! Be loud! Be proud! Own your awkwardness.

Here’s my most-awkward-moment-ever story, including the moral:

When I attended public school in Georgia, high school started in eighth grade. Each Spring, my elementary school hosted an end-of-year dance for the graduating seventh graders. It would be the first time the boys asked the girls to a dance. We chattered about this prestigious event for months, fretting about who we’d go with and what we’d wear.

I was thrilled when Mark asked me to accompany him. Super popular, he exuded confidence, a blonde feathered hairstyle and lived in a gorgeous white brick house. Without thinking, I said, ‘yes,’ even though I’d really wanted the other Mark to ask me. The other Mark sported the same blonde hairstyle, a wicked sense of humor and a laid-back attitude. I’ll admit they were similar. I must have had a Prince Charming type in my early years.

The next day, Mark 2 asked me to the dance. Beyond excited, I agreed to go with him.

What was I thinking? I couldn’t go with both of them. That would be awkward.

That afternoon, my favorite teacher and Cher look-alike, Mrs. Reznik, confronted me in the lunch line in front of everyone in the cafeteria. She asked who was taking me to the dance.

Ever clever, I replied, “Mark.”

Mrs. Reznik pierced me with her trademark you-can’t-lie-to-me eyes. “Which one?”

Someone had ratted on me. I gulped.

She shook her finger at me. “You better straighten this out fast.”

I looked around. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, stood staring at me. I longed to crawl under the lunch counter.

I later confessed to Mark 2 that I’d already accepted Mark 1’s offer. His mom must have taught him good manners because he graciously said he understood. He took an adorable little blonde to the event and danced with her all night.

My evening didn’t turn out so well. Mark 1 had volunteered to DJ the party and spent the entire evening spinning albums. We never danced together. The girl who once had two dates to the dance ended up being the wallflower.

Here’s the moral:  be patient. Wait on the right guy to ask you to the dance.

This admonition can apply to so many things. It’s better to wait and hope, than to settle for less than what God has planned for you. If you read the chapter of Genesis in the Bible, you’ll learn that Abraham waited decades for the baby God promised him. It was worth the wait as he is now known as Father Abraham, the patriarch of God’s chosen people.

What was the most awkward moment of your life?