Articles
Would Have’s
Someone asked me recently if I had my life to live over, would I change anything. My
answer was no. But then I thought about it and have changed my mind. If I had my life to live
over again, I would have waxed the floor less and listened to my family more. I would never
have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been
teased or sprayed. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and
the sofa faded. I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” living room and worried less about dirt
when the fireplace was lit. I would have taken time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
youth. I would have burnt the pink candle sculptured like a rose before it melted while being
stored in the attic. I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn and never worried about grass
stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching
real life. I would have eaten more ice cream and less cottage cheese. I would have gone to bed
when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I were not
there for a day. I would have never bought anything just because it was practical or wouldn’t
show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. When my child kissed me impetuously, I would
never have said, “Later, now, go get washed up for dinner”. There would have been more “I love
you’s”...more “I’m sorry’s”...more “I’m listening,” but mostly, given another shot at life, I would
seize every minute of it...look at it and really see it...try it on...live it… exhaust it...and never give
that minute back until there was nothing left of it. ~Erma Bombeck
“Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because
the days are evil. Therefore, be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”
(Ephesians 5:15-17).
