Regrets

I have regrets. You have regrets. All God’s people got regrets. Some days seem to bring them out more than others. I woke up this morning to remember that some of my dearest friends are spending the weekend at Angola. I regret not being there. I have attended lots of these weekends over the last twenty plus years. The weeks of preparation are a painful blessing. The weekends are always different and always awesome. I just couldn’t do it this time, but I have regrets.

Tonight I will attend the first game of the UL basketball season. I’m taking two of my grands. It will be fun. However, it will be hard not to remember the games I took my dad to. For years I would pick him up, load him and his wheelchair into my truck and sit with him in the handicap section. It will be hard not to remember the night I loaded the wheel chair into the back of  my truck, only to find it wasn’t there any more when we got to the Cajundome. I will recall the night my dad forgot his glasses and wanted to borrow mine just when the cheerleaders were performing. I will remember our talks and visits with my baby brother. The games were great, but they kind of run together. The moments with Dad and Jim jump out with clarity. I regret I didn’t pick Dad up more often and that I can’t do it tonight.

Last night I attended our SALT meeting. It’s a monthly gathering at church for those over fifty. It was wonderful, great food, fellowship and worship. I regret the meetings I’ve missed. I regret the many chances I’ve had to gather with other followers and was just too busy or forgot.

It’s easy to pile up regrets. Even wonderful times with precious grand kids, fellow believers or sports events can remind us of the many opportunities we’ve missed. Having regrets is unChristian. Followers of Jesus should take only the briefest glances back. We need to look ahead to keep our eyes on the one we are following. We need to live in the moment to enjoy the fullness of life that following Him brings.

Regrets for us are foolish. For followers, like no one else, have an eternity for do-overs. We can’t undo what we’ve done or failed to do, but we will be able to spend quality time with wonderful people for all time. Jesus restores what we have wasted. No regrets.