I Wish I Had or I’m Glad I Did

I wish I had….  How many times have we all started a sentence with those four little words?  I wish I had gone to see her.  Perhaps, I wish I had said or even had not said that.  The list of “I wish” is endless unfortunately.

A few days ago a friend died.  It was unexpected for most everyone.  I listened to mourners and read tributes from so many people.  The majority of people started theirs with “I wish”.  “I wish I had called him instead of texted that morning.”  “I wish I had told him I loved him the last time I saw him.”  “I wish I had taken more time to talk when he called.”

Cliche as it might sound, maybe it is time to give up the wishes and regrets.  It is time to live life doing those things.  There is a song that talks about “Live Like You are Dying”.  What if we lived like our family and friends were instead?  Would we treat them differently?  Yes, I certainly would.

My words would be much more thoughtful and kind.  I would definitely consider others’ feelings and needs.  All of the things I wanted to say would get said.  There are things I have learned thatI would share.   It would be a priority to discuss Jesus and salvation.   How will I know if I don’t ask?

Do they know that in times of sorrow, Jesus is my comfort.  He is my strength.  In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  This is so true.  I cannot make it a day without Him.  He shelters and strengthens me.  I draw my peace from Him.

John 14:27 gives us Jesus’ assurance that “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  This is the “peace that passes understanding” that we sang about in Sunday school.  A pure peace is given to us by Jesus when things are in chaos.

Scripture says  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  That is my goal.  To make certain my family and friends have one of those mansions.  It has already been bought and paid for by Jesus.  All I can do is give them the good news and pray they accept the keys.

No more wishing for me.  It is time for action.  Live each day purposefully.  Say the “I love you” and “thank you”.  Make the phone call.  Take the time.  Go to lunch.  Share the love.  Talk about Jesus.  Say goodbye to “I wish I had” and hello to “I’m glad I did.”

What are your I wish sentences that turn into regrets instead of sweet memories?  How about doing something now instead being disappointed later?