Regret

“I can’t believe I said that.”

“I can’t believe I did that.”

“I can’t believe I acted that way.”

“I can’t believe I treated her so.”

Regret washed over me as I combed through my past. Feeling highly disappointed, I chastised myself for my poor decisions, thoughtless words, and hurtful actions.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Kicking yourself for the things you did or said. Wishing you could go back and erase a moment. Handle it better. Have a do-over and get it right.

Listen, I have a plethora of regrets in my life. Things I wish I could take back. Some of them are decisions but many of them are words. And many of my regrets don’t stem from things I did but rather from the things I didn’t do when I had the opportunity.  

But you know what I don’t regret?

·         Extending the invitation

·         Paying the compliment

·         Offering support

·         Practicing hospitality

·         Turning the other cheek

·         Seeking reconciliation

·         Pursuing peace

·         Cheering others on

·         Taking the high road

·         Speaking truth

·         Showing respect

·         Giving thanks

·         Being kind

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10

You will have more opportunities, my friend. You can’t go back and change your past, but there will be many more opportunities to get it right. Daily opportunities to honor God and show love through word and deed. And as you take them, you won’t regret it.

It may not always be easy, comfortable, or convenient, but you’ll never regret taking the opportunity to do good.