We learn lessons in life, hopefully some are avoided by having been taught at home, and then some are learned the hard way, but mostly, by living and learning. Sometimes you will hear others say they don’t have a formal education, but they did get an education in the University of Hard Knocks. Most likely we all get a degree from that university. For sometimes life throws us a curve ball we never saw coming.
If you could travel back in time, what lessons have you learned? The following are some of the lessons I have learned. Perhaps they will help you as well.
Death taught me not to hold back telling others how much they mean to me. When you love people, tell them. Don’t wait to send flowers and tell how others how much the person meant to you. Tell them now. Many regrets could be avoided by telling our loved ones how much they mean to us. And it’s not just telling them but showing them how much we love them.
I learned not to let the past drag me down, and with God’s help, move forward with Him. Sometimes we allow the unfortunate to drag us down. The past is unchangeable and can’t hurt us unless we allow it to, so open the door and walk into the next chapter of your life. Allow the pain to help you grow and move forward.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
I’ve learned to pray fervently everyday about many things. Whatever troubles me hurts me or makes me happy, I pray. I pray fervently for others in my life, for their troubles, cares, sicknesses, and protection. Whatever it is, I take it to Him in prayer. Prayer begins my day, is with me all day, then seals the night to His watchful care.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)
I’ve learned to get back up when the trials of life had me on my knees. And it’s not the fall which is so hurtful, it’s getting back up and trying again and again.
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 24:16)
I’ve learned to be more grateful to Him for all He has given me, for watching over me, and helping me make it through the past five years.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)
I’ve learned more empathy and sympathy for others in similar circumstances.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
I’ve learned laughing at mistakes makes us human and real. I’ve learned to laugh at them, learn from them, and move on.
I’ve learned to be more patient and understanding of others.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I’ve learned to make the most of my time by doing those things which have an eternal value and not place nearly as much focus on the temporal. I know far too well how temporary life can be and where I spend eternity has a great bearing on how I spend my time and money while I live.
“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
The best way to gain confidence is to do those things which we are afraid to do, and walking through a storm is not nearly as hard if we reach our hand out to Him.
I’ve learned to not watch for growth in myself, but to nurture and feed what is on the inside and let God give the growth.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (I Corinthians 3:6)
In the end. I have learned to be content with such things as I have. To trust in Him. To surround myself with Christian friends. To be more grateful to Him. To pray more. Love more. Forgive more, Understand more. To be more joyful. A faithful Christian has more to be joyful about than anyone. They have the hope of eternal life, and though some days may get me down about life in general, God is there and He always has a listening ear.
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” (Psalms 34:15)
“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 take 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.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go and 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 . . love it . . and never give it back.”
~ Erma Bombeck, Written after she found she had a fatal disease.
Eileen Light