"Although regret that leads to change is a dear friend, regret that leads to shame is a treacherous enemy." Patsy Clairmont wrote those words. How profound and true they are.
Have you ever wished you could just start over? Or regret words that slipped out of your mouth in anger? My Grandmother used to say you can't "un-ring a bell". For a long time, as a child I thought about that statement. And for the longest time, I vowed to figure out how to do it. It wasn't until many year later I realized the wisdom that woman had. You can't go back and do it over. You can't go back to yesterday. You can't even start this day over. So what does that really mean? It means forge ahead. It means Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Looking back over my life the things I would have done differently would have been prayed more, trusted the Lord more and not tried to "chart my own path". Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...
It's still hard sometimes to sit back and wait. We pray and expect to hear from the Lord immediately. Just like at McDonalds when you order. That's not His plan. We don't "order". We give our cares and concerns to Him and wait for His time. Many years ago I read about a "box for God to do."
If I could live my life over, that's one thing I would change. When I pray, I would put it in "the box for God to do." In my minds eye, I would close the lid, and leave it with Him. He has it all planned out anyway. And I'm so glad He does.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
UN-RING THE BELL
"Although regret that leads to change is a dear friend, regret that leads to shame is a treacherous enemy." Patsy Clairmont wrote those words. How profound and true they are.
Have you ever wished you could just start over? Or regret words that slipped out of your mouth in anger? My Grandmother used to say you can't "un-ring a bell". For a long time, as a child I thought about that statement. And for the longest time, I vowed to figure out how to do it. It wasn't until many year later I realized the wisdom that woman had. You can't go back and do it over. You can't go back to yesterday. You can't even start this day over. So what does that really mean? It means forge ahead. It means Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Looking back over my life the things I would have done differently would have been prayed more, trusted the Lord more and not tried to "chart my own path". Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...
It's still hard sometimes to sit back and wait. We pray and expect to hear from the Lord immediately. Just like at McDonalds when you order. That's not His plan. We don't "order". We give our cares and concerns to Him and wait for His time. Many years ago I read about a "box for God to do."
If I could live my life over, that's one thing I would change. When I pray, I would put it in "the box for God to do." In my minds eye, I would close the lid, and leave it with Him. He has it all planned out anyway. And I'm so glad He does.
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10 comments:
Hi Kathryn,
Great post:) Love the quotes by Patsy Clairmont and your Grandmother.
As always, you make me think!
Thought you might want to check this link out for a little surprise...
http://karenelange.blogspot.com/2009/12/kreative-blogger-award.html
Blessings to you,
Karen
Powerful message, Katt. Too bad you weren't my minister. There's a few people out here that need to hear you.
Hi Katt -
I enjoyed your post. Instead of regretting our behavior, the Lord has said to repent.
Regret is a dead end that leaves you feeling guilty and the situation unresolved. Repentance and forgiveness wipes the slate clean.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Karen, I will check out your blog--I loved that quote by Patsy Clairmont---It really meant a lot to me when I read it, and I kept thinking about it. My Grandmother was so full of wisdom---I wish I had known then! I still miss her.
Hugs
Katt
Joy, you make me laugh! I know what you mean though--- unfortunately those people who need the message never "get it"
Love you
Katt
Susan, as always I love your comments and feedback!
Blessings to you my sweet friend.
Well said, Katt. My DH used to involve children of the congregation in demonstrating the impossibility of taking back words, actions, time. He had a square of thick shag carpeting and a salt shaker. The children shook grains of salt onto the carpet each time something was said or done. At the end my hubby had the children try to pick all the grains of salt out of the carpet fibres and put them back in the container. Of course they never could. It oversimplified the consequences but it served as a good illustration. We often act or speak without considering the implications. How important it is to first give ourselves, our words and actions into his hands!
What a great message your husband left those children with. Simplicity is usually better, even with adults. They will remember his lesson, probably forever.
Glad you are home, and safe. I've missed you!
Hugs and Blessings
Katt
I love your grandmother's "unring bell" statement. I will definitely start using it. I have a problem with trying to "chart my own path" and allow for God's will AND His way.
I know what you mean. I need a gentle reminder myself. Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs
Katt
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