If I Had My Life to Live Over

Perhaps it is because I will be turning 40 this year or perhaps it because of the large amount of death that has surrounded my family this year, either way I found myself working on my "bucket list". The bucket list is quite simply a list of things you want to accomplish, do or see before you die. I realized how much I had done when I was working on this list. Actually I was quite surprised even. Of course there are still things left to be done. One of the accomplishments was going on vacation with my sister and her family. On the list is still running away with my sister for girl's weekend, just Brenda and me. I have gone on vacation with brother and his family. But now, John has his pilot's license so on my list is to go flying with brother as the pilot. Not sure that is what he wants but he will get over it. Perhaps he should put it on his list too!!
While on my adventure to find things to add to my list of things to do before I die I found this article by Erma Bombeck. My Mom used to listen to Erma Bombeck while I was growing up. I can remember being a child and reading her books. I distinctly remember If Life is a Bowl of Cherries What am I doing in the pits? and The Grass is always greener over the septic tank. Mrs.Bombeck was absolutely genius when it came to being married and raising children.

If I Had My Life to Live Over
By Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids 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."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it, and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.

I hope you all have a blessed day.