If I Were to Have My Life Over

Recently I went to appeal to the management of the property where I live to waive an interest charge of a bill I did not receive. I didn't think it is fair for me to pay for something that I didn't do wrong for. At that, the management blatantly told me that I can present my case in the upcoming general meeting if I want to but he will make sure that I will not win my case. In essence he was planning to influence the voters to object to my case before I have the chance to even present my appeal. I left his office utterly disgusted and disappointed. I just wanted to cry.

Life is unfair sometimes. But it is the reality. We are all imperfect people and we live in a fallen world. Even Jesus had to die on the cross for sins He didn't commit. 

I had a choice to let this affect the rest of my day or I could just let it go and pay the bill. I told myself this shall soon pass and I will not let this incident take away my joy.

A friend shared this this post titled "If I Had My Life to Live Over"
written by Erma Bombeck near the end of her life. 

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 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 burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
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 have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
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 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 sorrys" ... 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.

This made me ponder about my own life. A much needed reflection on how I shall not take this life for granted and worry about the little unnecessary things. I want to be able to say, at the end of my life, that I lived my life to the fullest, with purpose and thanksgiving instead of grumbling and discontentment. And if I were to have my life again, I would not do anything differently because I've done the best I can while I still lived. And so, while I still can, I will try to remember and try my best to:

Worry less when life's problems come, knowing that they may just be God's blessings in disguise.

Not compare ourselves with other people.

Remember that my child is a blessing from God and not a burden (which I sometimes feel when motherhood gets hard!) 

Remember that quality of life is more important than the quantity of life (how long we live).

On a more practical note, I will remind myself to:

Take it easy when my child spills her food (or anything else for that matter) on the floor.
Let my child have her childhood! Let her play as she likes and enjoy God's creation through nature.
Say "I love you's" more to my parents and family and love generously, before it's too late.
Take things slowly and appreciate the little things instead of rushing through life.
See all the strengths in my husband and praise him more, while helping out in his weaknesses and alleviate his husband duty whenever I can.
Grumble less when it's hot outside (I said it!) and praise God that I can still go outside.
Be more generous to those in need because a little change may mean a lot to them (it may be their only meal of the day!). God gives good exchange rates!
Complain less and be an encourager instead!
Not let small things (like my example above) take away my joy.
Give thanks more often - because for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).

I hope I will not forget to remember this precious life that comes only once and the grace that was given so freely, yet at a price too heavy for anyone to bear, only Jesus could.

If you can have part of your life over, what would you change or how would you like to be different?