Wake up Without Regrets….
Regret!
Wikipedia describes it as the emotion of wishing one had made a different decision in the past, because the consequences of the decision were unfavorable.
Most of us, including yours truly, carry a few memories we wish we could erase; a few encounters we would like to do-over; a few words we wish we had swallowed instead of speaking or writing.
Regrets often occur because we speak or act in the heat of the moment. Rather than thinking first before responding, we react impulsively and later lament, “Why did I do that?” or “What was I thinking?”.
Harvey Mackay is a businessman and syndicated columnist. His column used to be the first thing I read in the Sunday newspaper. Recently, I read his quote, exclaiming “Yes!!” It read:
“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”
The past few months have been highly charged times emotionally, socially, and politically. An environment such as this provides numerous opportunities to do and say what we may later regret. The current point in history in which we find ourselves feels like a great time to consider living in ways which enable us to wake up in the morning without regrets.
How do we do this?
As I considered this question, my thoughts went to words the Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in the Christian church in Colossae:
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 NLT)
While regrets often lead to shame, regrets need not be fatal. I hope you’ll join me Thursday for a post entitled, God Redeems, Remedies & Restores Regrets.
