At certain times in my life, I allowed regrets to control me and steal away my happiness.  I lived many years having regrets such as not having a formal wedding, not finishing college when I was young, not telling my dad and grandma how much I loved them while they were here on earth, and many other regrets too.  These mountains of regrets piled up inside of me until they ate away at my spirit and stole my joy.  God slowly showed me that I had to live with the choices that I made and move forward.  I did not need to continue living with my regrets.  Every mistake I had made, He had forgiven.  I came across this story written by Larry Harp in Joyce Meyer’s book, “I Dare You.” I just had to share this with you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

leaving the city of regret

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly.  This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it.  I’m talking about my annual “Guilt Trip.”

I got tickets to fly there on WISH I HAD airlines.  It was an extremely short flight.  I got my baggage, which I could not check.  I chose to carry it myself all the way.  It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been.  No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport.  I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year’s most important event, the Annual Pity Party.  I wasn’t going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the town’s leading citizens would be there.

First, there would be the Done family – you know, Should Have Done, Would Have Done, and Could Have Done.  Then came the I Had family.  You probably know ole Wish I Had and his clan.  Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost.

The biggest family would be the Yesterdays.  There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share.

Then Shattered Dreams would surely make an appearance.  And It’s Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life.  Each story would be loudly applauded by Don’t Blame Me and I Couldn’t Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so.  And, as usual, I became very depressed.  But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that the remainder of this trip and subsequent “pity parties”could be canceled by ME!  I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there.  I didn’t have to be depressed.  One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN’T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY.  I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging.  Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address.  Am I sorry for mistakes I’ve made in the past? Yes!  But there is no physical way to undo them.

So, if you’re planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now.  Instead, take a trip to Starting Again.  I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there.  My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts, are very helpful.  By the way, you don’t have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival.  God bless you in finding this great town.  If you can find it – it’s in your own heart – please look me up.  I live on I CAN DO IT street.

I pray that you are blessed as much by this story as I was.  Remember, life is full of choices.  I challenge you today to choose happiness.  Remember, “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you] watchfully.” 1 Peter 5:7 I pray you have a blessed day!

God bless,

Kristen

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