No Regrets (04/24/2026)

Last evening, my husband and I had a date and a movie in our family room and our comfortable chairs. We checked out the streaming service and chose a movie called “If Only.” And it asked the question, “if you knew you didn’t have much time, what would you do differently.” And I must admit, it got to me. What would I do differently? And if it matters that much, why am I not doing it already?

In the movie, the characters realized the importance of their relationship and worked hard to be more open, more attentive, and more loving. I thought about that for some time after the movie was over. And I thought of the many times I’ve regretted what I didn’t do or say in the moment. I hope that this time, perhaps, I get it. Perhaps this time I will go forward realizing that every moment is a gift and to unwrap it carefully and lovingly.

Years ago, realizing a part of this, I started a saying in the family that continues to this day. When we say goodbye, we say, “Love you; mean it.” Tonight I recognized that the words are great, but I think doing it would be better. As I always say, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather you would walk with me than merely show the way.” I owe Edgar Guest credit for that wisdom. I regret that it took me so long to connect the dots and realize that this wisdom applies everywhere: in the marketplace; in the workplace; at church; in the neighborhood; even and most especially in my home.

Jesus tried to tell us. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Imagine how the world would be different if we all did just that. Imagine how the world could be different if every moment was about how well we were loving not just how well we were cooking or cleaning or producing or resting or whatever.  What if we lived every moment trying to love those around us as Christ loves us because we don’t know if we’ll have a chance to do it again.

No regrets. As I ended my day with time on the porch in prayerful reflection, I begged the LORD to help me take this lesson forward, to bring my best into every moment, my best and most loving, no regrets. I thought of my relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and asked the LORD’s help in loving my best from this point forward. No regrets.

As we continue our journeys in faith, hope and love, let us seek the help of the Spirit to live our lives truly following in Jesus’ footsteps – loving well, loving deeply, loving long, no regrets.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.