Perhaps when people say they have no regrets, what they actually mean is that they refuse to allow past disappointments, mistakes, or even tragedies to negatively affect their lives today. But acknowledging regret can be cathartic and even empowering. Having regrets does not mean that we are bad people.
Ultimately, regret is both gift and challenge. We make mistakes and we learn as we grow. It is all part of the abundant life that God desires for us. Our faith gives us a foundation based on God’s promise of transformation. Jesus is intimately aware of our human condition and offers us grace upon grace.
Our Savior invites us into abundant life so that we can live fully in the grace of God. Grace makes us acutely aware that sometimes our decisions or indecisions lead us down a regrettable road. Yet no matter where our paths take us, God’s mercy intersects with regret and our faith journey flourishes.
This message is excerpted from the October 3, 2018, Cafe Faith Reflection “The Gift and Challenge of Having Regret” by Angela T. Khabeb. Today we commemorate Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397. All are welcome to attend a Blue Christmas service via Zoom, December 21 at 7 p.m. (CST).
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