"IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER"
(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer.)
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 have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the 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 have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 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 sat on the lawn! with grass stains! I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. 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 and realized 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 up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's"; more "I'm sorry's". But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day.
4 comments:
That is so right about the way Satan works! I notice that it is really easy to not drink, smoke, lie, swear, etc... but sometimes it IS hard to do some of the "best" things to do... even though I'm still doing "good" things.
Like another General Authority said... there are far more good things to do than there is time to accomplish them. Therefore, you have to say no to some good things, and say yes to the best things.
Yes, I loved Elder Oak's talk "Good, Better, Best" from last General Conference; it came to mind when writing this post.
I try to keep that talk in the back of my mind... or at least the primary things in the talk. I have to remind myself that the best thing that I can do is be a mother... even though that I have many other wonderful things that I can go do... the best thing I can do is be there for my family!
I always loved Erma. She was a very funny and thought provoking person. Thanks for the thought and the encouragement to always do our best. Something I definitely am still working on.
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