Saturday, July 31, 2010

Another Chance


Another Chance
by Charles R. Swindoll

Ecclesiastes 12

Instant replays have become old hat. Whether it's an impressive backhand or a slam dunk or a touchdown pass, we never have to worry about missing it the first time around. It'll be back again and again, and probably again. In slow motion at least once. Every coordinated movement, every graceful or powerful motion returns to be analyzed by fan and announcer alike.

It occurred to me recently that I'd enjoy (for lack of a better title) delayed replays of some of the more significant times in my life. I'm fantasizing the possibility of having a chance to relive a particular experience that could have been handled differently. More wisely. With greater tact. In better taste. You know, all those "If I had that to do over again" thoughts. Wouldn't that be neat?

Just think of all the things you'd refrain from saying that you blurted out the first time around. It would be a whole other story the second time around, wouldn't it?

Even everybody's friend, Erma Bombeck---the gal you'd think never regretted a moment---agreed. However, she admitted:

If I had my life to live over again, I would have waxed less and listened more. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadows over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. . . . I would have cried and laughed less while watching television . . . and more while watching life. . . . There would have been more I love yous . . . more I'm sorrys . . . more I'm listening . . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it . . . and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.

Unfortunately, life doesn't offer "delayed replays." Second times around don't happen.

"You mean God won't forgive?" You know better than that. "And people can't overlook my failures?" Come on, now. That's not the issue at all. Most people I know are amazingly understanding. Our biggest task is forgiving ourselves.

The main message is clear: Think before you speak. Pause before you act. Make every minute count.

Another chance? No chance. Today is memory in the making, a deposit in the bank of time. Let's make it a good one!

Today is tomorrow's yesterday. How do you want to remember it?

12 comments:

Mari said...

Lots of wisdom in this!

~Sandy said...

Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing:)

Elle Bee said...

This is really wonderful! I love this: "Today is memory in the making, a deposit in the bank of time".

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Great advice which I need to follow.

Unknown said...

Thank God He does forgive!
What I would give to a few minutes back to spend with Joshua.

KrippledWarrior said...

it's been awhile since I've seen anything from Chuck Swindoll.
Thank you for the message.
it was needed today.

Rita said...

Oh wow! Great post. We spend far too many times wanting replays when we should be living in the moment. There are so many things that I think back on and remember the wonderful times, like carrying those sons of mine. I had a good pregnancy with both of them and it was a wonderful time in my life. Now I am enjoying them as men in my life!

NanaNor's said...

Hi dear friend, Loved this post and of course the photo as well. As Mari said, so much wisdom here. I don't want to regret a thing-no what-ifs.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Toia said...

Great post...very encouraging...this is something we should all take heed to...thanks for sharing...Have a bless weekend!!!

Denise said...

Inspiring post sis, love you.

Just Be Real said...

Thank God for His mercies are new every morning. Blessings to you Kat!

Anonymous said...

I loved the quote you used in this post. It's a great reminder that we are a very selfish people. We go through life alot of times thinking only of ourselves. May there be more of God and less of me in my life.
God bless.
~ Heather Joy
http://heathersjoy.wordpress.com/