If I Could Turn Back Time

If I could turn back time…Wow! What a concept! My sister in law posted this as her status and asked people to finish the statement.

So, if I could turn back time, I think my life would be a lot different. In fact, the entire course of my life would have been changed and there is a chance I would not even know some of the same people I know today. There are so many, many things I could add to the end of that sentence that I can't come up with a complete list without taking an extraordinary amount of time.

Here are a few things that come to mind first…in no particular order: 

            If I could turn back time…

·                     I would live confidently.

·                     I wouldn't let other people's judgments affect me the way I have.

·                     I would have joined the military.

·                     I would have gone on more mission trips.

·                     I would have waited to get married until I was older, more secure,

           and more mature.

·                     I would have enjoyed married life longer before I had children.

·                     I would have worked harder to figure out and accomplish my life 

           goals.

·                     I would have been more responsible with the money I earned.

·                     I would be a better spouse and parent.

That being said, there are a couple of sayings…one saying is, "Live and learn"; the other saying is "No regrets". Looking at the list above, it's easy for me to see how much I have learned because of my experiences. Thinking logically, even if the hands of time were to turn back, I wouldn't have any more wisdom. I would still make mistakes. I have lived and I have definitely learned. Consequently, I must choose to accept my life "as is" and live with wisdom and experience gained with no regrets.

Whenever this question comes up, I am simply reminded that in choosing to live a life of Christianity, I know that I live under grace. God created us with the ability to make decisions. He knew we would make mistakes, and ultimately, He sent His son to die for our sins. (You may look at my list and say that you didn't notice sins, but trust me, the list is plenty long! :( )

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18 NIV)

Once I acknowledged Jesus as my Lord and Savior and confessed my sins, my slate was wiped clean. It doesn't give me an excuse to keep doing wrong. I have a responsibility to do what is right to the best of my ability. I can learn from my mistakes with no regrets! J

Would I turn back the hands of time? I might be tempted, but my life has been good overall. I have lived and learned and continue to do so. I will celebrate each day that comes,  and to the best of my ability, I will live each day to the fullest. Besides, what would my life be like if I had to miss out on my relationship with just one of you? I love all of the people in my life!