Regrets

My husband remarked the other day that he has very few regrets, while I have many.  It's not that I have made that many more mistakes than he, it is just that he moves on quickly.

I tend to ruminate over past failures and fantasize about what my life would be like if I'd chosen a different path at various crossroads.  If I had faced my opportunities armed with the knowledge I have now instead of the understanding I had at the time. If I had known how much a sin would cost me before I succumbed to temptation.  If I had seen the potential good in certain choices and counted the benefits worthy of the cost.

But I can't go back.  I can't wallow in what might have been.  I can't wiggle my nose and create an alternative reality.

But I can use the regrets of yesterday to make better, wiser choices today.  To act more slowly and carefully.  To heed the still, small Voice that cautions and guides.

And I can serve a God Who makes all things new.  Who is not surprised by my choices.  Whose plan cannot be foiled by my foibles. Whose providence is bigger than my propensity for foolishness.

I think it's a case of casting our Maker in our image again.  I get upset when family/friends/kids "mess up" and it alters my plans.  I have to work around the changes.  But God has foreknowledge.  He already has a plan worked out for me.

He has designed me for His glory and His plans will be accomplished.  And that is something I can revel in.