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 my 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 love us.
And
think about what we have been blessed with. And what we are doing
each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
