Life is full of choices. It’s up to us to decide if we’re going to do what scares us the most or sit back and watch the opportunities pass us by. Last week, my nan asked me if I had any regrets about my trip to South Africa. I don’t remember the last time someone asked me this question, so it got me thinking.
The quick answer is no; I don’t have any regrets. I learned a while ago that living a life with regrets isn’t worth it. Why waste time worrying or dwelling on the past when the present is right in front of you?
A lot happened in Africa. I got to experience so many new things, and the lessons I learned will stick with me forever! I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
Each week brought new lessons and testings. God really worked on me during my month away, and when the time was nearing over, I didn’t want it to end. It was hard to say goodbye to the friends I had made, and I really prayed that God would continue to feel close to me once I arrived home. I had never felt closer to God than during my time in Africa; I saw Him in everything and witnessed His guidance throughout each day.
I know that the friendships I made will last for a while, and I will hopefully see most of those fantastic people again soon. I had so much fun getting to know all their different personalities and see how differences do attract. I never felt like I was on the outside, even though I had varying views and beliefs. We all accepted one another and loved with all our hearts. I have a massive family in Gansbaai now and can’t wait to go back one day.
The Bible tells us that we shouldn’t worry about the coming days (Matthew 6:25-34) or live with the past still on our mind;
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Yeshua/Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Yeshua.” Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
As we walk through life, we are called to live the godliest of lives. This means that our decisions shouldn’t cause us to regret since we’re walking in the Spirit and following where God leads. However, that doesn’t mean that we won’t do things that we’ll look back and think, “Man, I wish I’d done that differently,” we are human after all. We’re not perfect and slip up sometimes, but we have the power to pick ourselves back up and move forward instead of staying in one place or stepping backward.
“Why do we fall, Bruce? So We can learn to pick ourselves up” ~ Thomas Wayne (Batman Begins)
Are you living in regret today? Did you know that you have the power to let those regrets go and live a fuller, happier life? I get that this is easier said than done, but it’s the truth. I used to be negative and think all the wrong thoughts; however, ever since I changed that perception, I have loved living life!
The experiences we have and the choices we make shape us into the people God has called us to be. We’ll have bruises, cuts, and breaks, but that doesn’t mean God can’t heal those wounds.
“Behold, the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
No one has it right. I sure don’t. I still make many mistakes, but I’ve learned to live through and by them. Our scars are just a part of our story and remind us of where we’ve come from.
So, stop living with the weight of your past, let those woes go, and tell God you’re ready to move on. Talking to close friends helps as well. They might not agree with all of your motives, but they’ll always be there to share encouragement and a word from God. I’m so thankful for my friends because they tell it how they see it and don’t sugarcoat anything. It can be tough at times, but looking back, I see their wisdom and respect their honesty.
Our biggest obstacle in life is almost always ourselves. We get so stuck in our minds that we don’t realize that the door is wide open ahead of us. Life is precious and doesn’t last long, so move past your regrets and start living the life you want today! Don’t wake up dreading the coming day; wake up excited for what’s to come!
This is this week’s Song of the Week. I think it goes perfectly with what’s written above; give it a listen!
