Though I'm not a religious person, I think everyone needs time to think about things you've done in life that you regret. Perhaps a long-ago mistake impossible to undo, a harsh word you'd love to take back, an omission you wish you could correct.
Sometimes past transgressions sneak back into your memory at odd times - while lying awake at 3:00 am, maybe, or while brushing your hair. I cringe to remember how in sixth grade I threw my broken thermos at the boy who I assumed broke it, hitting him. Ugh! that time at a reception where I sat in an open chair - only to realize it was there for the guest of honor, not me! Or the time, while rushing to the airport, I impatiently cut short my son's farewell moment with our old dog - who died without seeing him again.
So - on this Ash Wednesday - what are your regrets?
6 comments:
"I've had a few..."
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I wish I had had more patience with my children. I was a strict Mom, I wish I had laughed more and enjoyed them more. Time went by so fast, my first born will be forty tomorrow I wonder how he remembers his childhood and me?
ALBUG
A friend and I were having a similar discussion last night. I was telling her that I saw a quote along the lines of, "I do not regret the things I've done, but those I did not do."
I understand the sentiment being conveyed in that quote, yet still disagree. So many regrets, for so many less than honorable things I have done... and forgiving others seems easier than forgiving yourself.
My regrets go both ways, but I think I regret things not done a little more.
Ahh, hindsight.
(My att'y. advises not mentioning any of the "things done," I may regret, so ...)
I regret not ever living on my own. I went to college close to home and went from my parents' house to my husband's house. The first time I moved anywhere on my own it was because my husband was deployed (but I had the kiddos in tow so that doesn't really count as "on my own.") Along those same lines, I regret not traveling more when I was younger (and not scared to fly!) Now I wonder why I was in such a hurry to be a grown up!
good grief, so many, and as Deborah says, forgiving yourself is the hardest
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