Regret

This summer I have preached a series on An Authentic Life. My last sermon called An Authentic End focused on living well to die well. While preparing my sermon I found myself quite aware of the choices I made. Years ago I determined to live life without regret. So last week while my daughters were home, I treasured that rare moment, their only visit together between Christmases, and chose not to participate in some of my typical responsibilities. I often choose relationships over other events.

I am grateful that I have no huge regret in my life, no big event that changed my path that I wish hadn't. But I realized while preparing my sermon that regrettable choices can creep in through slow benign neglect.

Two years ago I decided to get healthy. I wasn't in terrible health, but I had let my weight creep slowly out of bounds. I began pursuing a healthier lifestyle, eating and exercise, to try to capitalize my health and live a long fruitful life, especially for the sake of my family. The choices I made that put on unwanted pounds happened daily in small increments, not a life shattering moment. Yet the results still affect me, and know in the same painstaking way I must reverse the trend.

If we want to die well, we have to live well. That includes living without regret, and that regret comes not just from landmark decisions we make, but also from daily negligence. Take stock of your current choices and the path they are leading you down. You'll never regret rethinking your life.