Letting Go of Past Regrets
Letting Go of Past Regrets
Philippians 3:13-14 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 Christ Jesus.
Are there things in your life you regret? Wonder about decisions you’ve made? Things you wish you could change?
I remember when I was 3, refusing to let my mother buy me a wheelbarrow because I thought it was broken since it only had one wheel. For some reason (not from anything she said), for years after, I was afraid my mom was mad at me for that decision. Sometimes I wish I could go back and accept her offer.
In 7th grade, I told Kimberly she couldn’t sit with us at lunch. I had no reason. I just wanted to show how important I was and how I could control what others did. Later, I overheard Kimberly telling a group of girls how mean I was. I felt awful. It didn’t feel good to know someone else thought I was mean. At 12, I didn’t apologize; in fact, I’m sure I acted too cool and like it didn’t bother me, but it did.
After teaching for 24 years, it might seem strange that I sometimes wonder if I made the right decision to go into education. Originally, I wasn’t interested in teaching at all. I added education to my major as a back-up plan. However, I’ve only ever lived my back-up plan. I wonder what my life would have been like had I gone with my first plan.
I could go on and on about the times in my life I wish I’d made a different decision, things I regret or at least wonder about. Some of those times could be considered small events, others huge. No matter what size, the effect they have on me could be negative, unless I learn to let them go.
Holding on to past regrets stifles our emotional growth and productivity; it keeps us from moving forward. When we make decisions, we don’t know how they’ll turn out. The main thing to remember is to ask God first. Next, remember to forgive yourself if it was a decision that hurt you or others. Learn from how it made you feel and strive to do better. Last, never forget that God loves you just as you are, He has forgiven you, He will help you do better if you listen to Him.
Today’s Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to let go of past mistakes and of our regrets so that we can press on towards the prize you so lovingly offer. Amen.
Love in Him,
Julie
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