I just found out today that my hairdresser was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, and very likely has about 6 months to live. In shock, I turned to God in prayer on his behalf, and then started thinking.
If I were to find out today that I was also terminally ill with a short time to live, would I have any regrets? Of course, like everyone, I would have a few from my past. But in my daily life today is there anything I would want to change or would regret? While thinking about these things I realized there are actually many things I would NOT regret.
I would not regret:
1. Kissing my father and telling him I love him when I say "goodbye", even if he finds it difficult to say the same thing.
2. Complimenting my mother on how beautiful she was (and is) while looking at old family slides, though the compliments make her very uncomfortable.
3. Driving with my husband one hour each way on Sundays to attend morning worship with my parents and friends/classmates that I grew up with.
4. Not skipping church on Wednesday night for a much needed band rehearsal before a big show, even when others just don't understand.
5. Telling friends "I love you" and "I appreciate your friendship", and sending my love to their families as well.
6. Singing against backing tracks so I can do shows for the elderly at assisted living facilities and nursing homes, even at the risk of being made fun of by "serious musicians".
7. Spending hours in the kitchen to cook wonderful meals for my husband, who is such a wonderful encourager. (The cooking happens in fits and spurts, when I have the time).
8. Using the talents that God gave me in his service, especially when being a Christian automatically makes you "a stupid sheeple" in the world's eyes. So glad God proves them wrong on a daily basis!
9. Giving God the glory when people compliment me on my talents...He is the giver of all good and perfect gifts!
10. Studying to improve myself, whether in language, music, computers, artistic or physical endeavors.
11. Going the extra mile for friends and relatives, even if it means listening to negativity on the phone for over an hour when someone needs to vent.
12. Taking a chance when I feel complacent or need to step outside my box.
13. Doing things for myself instead of depending on others to make it happen for me. (That doesn't mean not working with others, it means taking the initiative).
14. Going out of my way to visit the sick or elderly...really, the blessing works both ways.
15. Giving when I see someone in need. As a child I didn't quite get the "It is more blessed to give than to receive" - who wouldn't want to get something, especially for free?! But now I realize it is so much better to be able to give than to have to receive.
16. Being "brave" and bringing up God to others. From a simple conversation can come a life-transformation, and the possibility of salvation. If we are not ashamed of Him, He will not be ashamed of us when he presents us to His Father.
17. Laughing out loud when I read the funnies in the paper.
18. Crying when I feel something deeply. I believe it was Erma Bombeck who reflected back that if she had to do it all over again, she'd laugh and cry more in real life than she did at the movies.
19. Speaking out against wrong, and speaking up for right.
20. Playing mediator when people are in disagreement. It is important to be able to see situations from both sides.
There are so many more things we could each look back and say "I will never regret...". I hope this blog post helps you reflect on your life and how you live it daily. If we share love, kindness and truth, and put God above all else, we should have no regrets.
