Regret is wishing you took a different action, after you saw the results of your decision.
I will always remember pushing a Christmas tree into our van. In a moment of carelessness, a branch from the tree ripped the felt on the ceiling of the van. It was a irreparable mistake.
I regret not taking my husband’s advice to strap the tree to the top of the van instead of putting it inside the van.
At the time you made the decision, you cannot know for sure how things would turn out. You always think it’ll work out, otherwise you wouldn’t have acted in that manner.
So I find that it is a waste of energy to regret. We can only do the best we can based on the information and wisdom we have at the time. It is only afterwards that you realize you’re wrong, but that is obviously the case, but that’s not how life works.
Life is lived by not knowing what’s around the bend.
It’s also no good to blame anyone else for bad results either.
Whenever I want to put blame, I think of Fanny Crosby’s story. At six weeks old, she caught a cold and developed inflammation of the eyes. The family physician was not available, and the man who came in his place recommended hot poultices as treatment. The botched procedure blinded her.
Crosby was never bitter about her disability. At the age of eight she wrote these verses about her condition:
- Oh what a happy soul I am,
- Although I cannot see;
- I am resolved that in this world
- Contented I will be.
- How many blessings I enjoy,
- That other people don’t;
- To weep and sigh because I’m blind,
- I cannot, and I won’t.”
She went on to write some of the best known hymns including “Blessed Assurance”, and “To God Be The Glory”, two of my favorite hymns.
LIfe happens. Let’s not waste time with regrets or blame.