I recently had a conversation with my oldest son, Brett, about his future and life in general. He is finishing middle school next month and will then begin his final four years before going away to college. We talked about what he might want to do with his life, what kind of person he'd like to marry, etc. At some point the conversation topic turned toward me and he asked me if I had any "regrets" with choices I had made and what I would change if I could do my life over. Wow! That is a tough question to answer -- especially when its your own child asking you!
I told him that, for the most part, I wouldn't change any of the "big decisions" in my life -- afterall those are the ones that led me to marry his Dad. (although I could've managed without a few boyfriends before him!) Certainly there were other choices I made that I wish I could "do over" but mostly the small stuff. I tend to stress a lot about the little things in my life and I always have. I wish I could've let more things "slide". I know I'm not alone in sweating the small stuff - I just wish I knew why we did.
Later that night I thought a lot more about Brett's question to me. A long time ago I had a read a wonderful piece by the late Erma Bombeck about this very topic. She had written it after she found out she had a life threatening kidney disease. I thought I'd share it with all of you:
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck
If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would have never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" . . . More "I'm sorry's" . . .
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . . look at it and really see it . . . live it . . . and never give it back.
Her words never cease to inspire me. She reminds me that LIFE IS GOOD and we should make the most of every moment. Hmmm . . . now where are my matches. I've had that beautiful candle from
Happy Thursday Everyone! -- Dawn
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