A heart touching article by the late Erma Bombeck. “If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten popcorn in the living room instead of the den. I would have taken time to talk and listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would not worry about the car windows being down and blowing my hair. I would have burned the big pink candle sculptured like a rose before it melted. I would have played in the grass with my grandchildren and not worry about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would have shared more time with my husband. When my kids tried to kiss me, I would never have said, “Later! Now go get washed up for dinner.” If I could live my life over, there would be more, “I love you’s… I’m sorry’s… but mostly, I would seize every minute… look at it and really enjoy the moment… live it… and never give it back.” Carpe Diem (Latin) “Seize the day!
Also the last words to me frommy good friend, Eugene Bordean, “Every morning I awake, I thank God for the new day and cherish it greatly.” As they faced death, both learned that life is precious, passing, and priceless. Realize that the past year of 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 seconds are gone. This past year had regrets, remorse and rejoicing. But they are now gone. You cannot change, undo, or reverse 2022. Rejoice! Another year and we are still here! Yea! You are still able to post new schedules on a new calendar. Take a deep breath, exhale! Praise the Lord you still have precious life (Psa. 150:6). Indescribable!
What did we learn from 2022? We learned that life is uncontrollable, unexpected, and unchangeable. Abraham died full of years (Gen. 25:8). Don’t just die full of years, but live years full of life. Don’t count the days but make the days count. Little Orphan Annie sang, “Tomorrow! Tomorrow! You’re always a day away!” Don’t regret yesterdays or never-to-come tomorrows, but rejoice in each new day that you are given (Psa. 118:24). An inheritance is what you leave to people. A legacy is what you leave in people. As the old saying, “Do your giving while you are a-living, so you will be a-knowing where it is a-going.” The best things in life are not things. Don’t love things, love people. Invest in people and the returns are great!
Learn that loving moments make lasting memories. Make each moment a memory. Live so you will not be ashamed of yesterday or afraid of tomorrow. As Erma and Eugene, learn that you cannot live your life over. SO LOVE IT and LIVE IT NOW!
Goodbye 2022 – Hello 2023 – Happy New Year Y’All!
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