If I Had It to Do Over

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3 ESV). I always get a little nostalgic at this time of the year. I sometimes begin to think of those things that might have been done differently through life. Reflection on the past is always an interesting exercise. It can be very helpful, or as is often the case, very dangerous. The past is indeed the past and while a teacher of sorts, it must not determine our present sense of peace and joy. Trying to strike that balance, I thought of Erma Bombeck. Often poignant, often funny, often true, Erma Bombeck’s observations of life, especially that of the suburban housewife, has made men and women smile for several generations. It was not so much that Erma was humorous but rather her daily and weekly editorials reflected what millions of people, especially mothers, wives, and career women were going through just in the daily juggling act of life. Starting out in a local newspaper, her column was eventually printed in 600 newspapers across the country. Realizing that she could not overcome the cancer that had overtaken her body, she wrote the following poem titled “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 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. Learn from your past. Live in your present. Celebrate your future! There is much to be thankful about, if we will only look!