IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained, or 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 sorry's" ... 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.
Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like
you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who
Do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And
what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally,
physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.
Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at
this and then it's gone.