I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
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 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 sculpted
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 shared more of the responsibility
carried by my
husband.
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 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 yous".. more "I'm sorrys"...
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.
"We are, if we are fortunate, born secure;
we are not born free.
We are, however, born with a destiny
to freedom and a capacity for freedom
which are realized in a life of faith."
Peterson