Regret and grief

When I was in my early 20s, a woman in her 50s on the church council with me mentioned something about regret. I was puzzled. At that time, I did not have any regrets. Now that I am in my 50s, I know what she meant.

Grief is sometimes associated with regret. I think about choices I might have made differently–ways that I was disrespectful to colleagues at work and did not even realize it, times when I was not fully present to my children or to my spouse. At times my regret turns to grief as I mourn the lost years and harm to relationships.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity of repentance and the power of forgiveness. Grief may help us all become more conscious of how our choices affect others. With God’s help, may we make amends and celebrate the joy and love we have in relationships.

This message is an excerpt from “Grandma’s letters” by Bev Stratton in the October 2019 issue of Gather magazine. Today we celebrate the birthday of Katherine von Bora Luther who was born January 29, 1499.

Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry. Use the “where needed most” line.