Good News For Youth (GNFY) published under the oversight of the Alkire Rd Church of Christ elders and posted by permission of the editor.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet were stained and the sofa faded.
I would have
eaten popcorn in the "good" living room
and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light
a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculptured like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have
sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of
pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment
realizing that the wonderment growing inside me
was the only chance in life to assist God in a
miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed for dinner."
There would be more "I love you’s" and more "I’m sorry’s" but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute – look back at it and really see it – live it – and never give it back.
-– Selected, August 2001 –-
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