Living the Surrendered LifeSample

When I was a child, I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to go to college. When I was single, I couldn’t wait to get married. When I was in college preparing to be a schoolteacher, I couldn’t wait to get in the classroom. Eventually, my husband and I wanted to have children. Four years later, we had our first son. Five years after that, our second son joined us. I couldn’t wait for them. During our days of trying to become debt-free, I thought ahead to days of being generous to our church and to others. If I’m being completely honest with you, I’ve wished away many days in my life and in the lives of my sons. I’ve spent plenty of time complaining about the difficulties of life especially in regards to raising children. Oftentimes I have done my griping in the company of empty nesters. They graciously smile because they’ve been there. And because there is a part of each of them that would give anything to hold their children in their arms like they did years ago. They tell me, “Cindy, enjoy it. It goes by so quickly.” My encouragement to you is to make the most of everyday. Don’t allow the discouragement of regret to rob you of today’s joy. Press on and receive God’s grace over any regret you may have in your life. And live today as a new day. Enjoy every belly laugh from those who are around you. Enjoy carefree days outside soaking in God’s creation. Because if you do, I can guarantee that the amount of regret that you live with will decrease each day. Action Steps What are you wishing away? Do you live with regret over anything in your life? Spend some time asking God what He would have you to do redeem or “buy back” some of those days where you wish you could go back. Going forth, allow Him to help you make the most of each day you are given.