It’s amusing, the expression we use, “sending our regrets.” Or at least it was in vogue when manners were. It was the polite way to turn down an invitation or an “RSVP” (another politeness, mostly gone).
But regrets can loom much larger in our lives than small infelicities. They can grow into mind monsters that won’t stop shouting and, if allowed, crowd out everything else.
Thanks to God, there is solution. Ultimate. And satisfying.
But still, we have our histories. And there are parts we’d just as soon weren’t there. These are in areas of what we’ve done and rather we hadn’t, and what we’ve not done and rather we had.
It’s the “commission” and “omission” thing.
Take wife Anne, the purer spirit between us; her sensitivities are more in the latter category. Mine are more obvious, more protruding—like icebergs still apparent on a cold sea where I don’t want to return.
The difference is, while mine are numerous, they’re numerable. The list of omissions, however, can tend to be infinite.
Sometimes I’ve thought it’s a female thing—part of the race that can only be happy if feeling guilty.
Of course, I jest.
And digress.
As I said above, there is solution. Without it we’d never get out of our wallowing. With it, we can acknowledge the facts . . . that we’ve too often done what we shouldn’t, and too often not done what we should.
Either way, by God’s grace our regrets can be sealed up and sent to the outer abyss.
As for heaven’s invitation, best not to neglect it. Best to RSVP with, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
No regrets.
__________
PS: For anyone interested, or in the area, I’ll be speaking this Sunday at Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, 9:00 o’clock service.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:52 am
One thing’s for sure, Hyatt, I never regret having been at Heritage when you’ve spoken. See you on Sunday!
8:55 am
A beautifully illustrated reminder. Accept the invitation and leave the wallowing at the door. Thanks, Hyatt!
9:04 am
Hyatt,
It’s great the way you get us to thinking… at deeper levels than normal daily life.
Which of the two, Hyatt do you think, commission or omission, is a greater guilt producer? For me, it’s the former.
For the latter, I find some way, to (perhaps mistakenly) shrug it off. Many of them I see as inviting “rats” of regrets gnawing away at the insulation of peace in my heart before God. Maybe because I’m wired in certain ways as a male?
I also take comfort in the story of Jonah, the recipient of all the graces of the God of Second Chances.
P.S. We need to send our regrets on coming to Heritage this Sunday, too far to travel!
10:27 am
That’s great! I especially like the last paragraph. Very clever.
11:02 am
Won’t miss Sunday —- no regrets
12:28 pm
whether by omission or commission, it seems omission is the easier way to travel al lot of times. Takes less energy whether it be God’s way or my way….
1:03 pm
I want a redo on mine. If I let myself wallow in them, they can get me down. I so wish I could go back. No one else remembers or cares about them at this point, except me. Praise God for His grace!!
4:49 pm
Can’t wait to hear you this Sunday Hyatt!
10:18 am
REGRETTABLY… I was unable to make it at 9am today. Ireland is just too far away. Would, however, love to hear what you had to say. No doubt a picture painted with words as ably as you paint. Is there a link to a podcast? Ken
11:46 am
Ken, thanks. I’m told it’ll be up in a couple of days. I’ll alert you, and others.
8:12 am
Hyatt, One the very day that I’m tempted to wallow, I read your reminder of the grace of God . . . and I go forward with my eye on the heavenly prize. Thanks so much!