That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28 (The Message)
I got a party invitation recently that said, “Regrets Only.” It got me thinking of some of the things in my life that I regret. While Frank Sinatra might sing, “Regrets, I’ve had a few,” I have more than a few. So here’s a list of ten. At least of the ones I can print. There are more, but I’ll keep them to myself. In no particular order:
1. I regret buying burgundy imitation silk curtains for my living room that I cannot wash. They are dusty on the ends, but will have to stay that way until I can find the time to make some new ones that are washable.
2. I regret persuading a college boyfriend not to break up with me just so I could break up with him a few weeks later. I should have let him go with his dignity intact.
3. I regret neglecting to give one of our dogs his heartworm pills a few years ago. I got distracted with life and my neglect cost him his.
4. I regret putting on so much weight after I worked very hard to get rid of it after my youngest son was born. I spent tons of money on a nutritionist and looked really good, but I got lazy and it didn’t last.
5. I regret letting my husband talk me into plowing up my rose garden. I miss having so many fresh flowers that there were plenty for my house and to give away.
6. I regret not playing more with my kids. I was all about work and school. I don’t remember us having much fun.
7. I regret not putting in a bigger bathtub when we built this house twenty five years ago. But, then, money was pretty tight. I should have given up one of the fireplaces that we never use instead.
8. I regret the many times when I said something ugly to my husband or my kids. I manage to put on a front with my friends and co-workers, but my family knows the real me.
9. I regret letting my ability to play the flute go. When I went to college, I didn’t even take it with me. With no practice, I lost the skill.
10. I regret losing touch with some friends who were good to me over the years. With face book, I have found some and the reunions have been sweet.
But, there are some things I don’t regret. Marrying my husband. Having children. My career path. And most of all, choosing to follow God and to accept His free gift of salvation. Because of that gift, I can trust that the mistakes I made will be okay in the end. Understanding God’s sovereignty and His grace lets me sleep at night. I can live at peace with my past and look forward to my future. Still, I’ve been thinking. I found my flute when I cleaned my closet. I wonder how much lessons cost?
I can just picture you with your cute bobbed hair playing the flute.
Okay- going on record as saying I don't like this post. didn't enjoy reading the list, find it painful so I'm going to mull this over. Especially thinking about the value of listing life's regrets and that's not rendering an opinion one way or the other- it just makes me think. Mainly, about my regrets. And then wonder if there is value in those thoughts. Maybe. Maybe it's a matter of "lesson learned. Life moves on." Not sure. One thing I am sure of is that the only thing worse than fake silk drapes would be wool ones. Which I am busy making today and ALREADY regret…