After completing the work to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, the people gathered together to listen as the book of the law was read to them (Nehemiah 8:1-3). On the next day, the heads of the households came to Ezra, the scribe, in order to “gain insight into the words of the law” (Nehemiah 8:13).
Upon closer examination, they learned about the command to “live in booths during the feast of the seventh month” (Nehemiah 8:14; Leviticus 23:34, 40-42). Yet the people “had indeed not done so from the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day” (Nehemiah 8:17).
Generations had passed since the people observed this command. It would have been easy to disregard this because they had neglected it for so long. Yet after learning of their obligation to observe this feast by living in booths for seven days, they “circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem,” calling for all of the people to take part in this. The people did so, and “there was great rejoicing” among them (Nehemiah 8:15-17).
So remember that it is never too late to correct a wrong. No matter how much time has passed, we always have the option to do what is right. Let us not allow our previous failings to prevent us from making whatever changes we need to make in our lives.