As we strive to finish well in our lives, it’s helpful to look back on what has brought us to where we are, including the decisions we have made and the people who have helped us along the way.The process of looking back may occasionally lead us to feel some regret. These regrets might be very significant, such as who you married, or didn’t marry; how you raised your children; how you have handled significant relationships in your life; or perhaps vocational decisions you have made.
Perhaps you’re like Frank Sinatra, when he sang in “My Way”:
And now, the end is near
And so, I face the final curtain…
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again too few to mention
My guess is that we all have at least a few regrets in our lives.
I recall listening to an interesting Ask Pastor John podcast episode with John Piper as he answered a question about regrets from a 72-year-old man about how we should handle our regrets. You can listen to that episode titled “How Should I Handle My Regrets” here.
As I find myself getting closer to the end of my life’s journey, this episode really resonated with me. My career with a Fortune 50 organization is complete, and I’m in a new season of life, with different goals and opportunities to serve. But I do have regrets, some of which are:
- I could have loved Christ more.
- I could have been a better husband, son, brother or uncle.
- I could have been a better leader at work and church.
- I could have been kinder.
- I could have loved more.
- I could have shared my faith more.
- I could have been less self-centered.
Perhaps some of these resonated with you as well. Although we have regrets, we must realize that we can’t do anything to change the past. It does no good to “beat ourselves up” over our regrets. But how do we handle regrets that we do have and find healing? Some regrets aren’t sins – we made decisions such as where to live, and the choice didn’t turn out so well. Always remember that Proverbs 16:9 tells us that a man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. God is in charge, and He’ll get you where He wants you to go through His divine Providence.
As you reflect back on your life, do you have any major regrets? If so, what are they, and how are you handling them?
Excerpt from Use Us Up, Lord: Finishing Well for Our Good and His Glory by Bill Pence with Tammy Pence
