4 Things You Cannot Recover:
The stone after it's thrown; the word after it's said; the occasion after it's missed; and time after it's gone.
I had not really considered these in depth until today. Today has reminded me that these four simple truths are paramount to us as if we truly want to shine His light. Furthermore, these are paramount to ANY strong, meaningful relationship and we should remember them as we look at our lives and relationships. Of course, the stone after it is thrown can be symbolic for what we say, but here, let's take it as a literal stone, or say a punch/fist. Sometimes, we can be made so angry that we want to settle a dispute with our brawn. Yes, men and women alike are guilty of this...ALL of us have been enraged to the point that we have either strongly contemplated or straight out gotten into a physical altercation. In hindsight, many will tell you that they wish they had held their temper and cooled off first. Secondly, the word after it is said. This can be in a positive light or a negative light. Often we will reciprocate kind words when we actually feel otherwise. By the same token, oft times, we will lash out in anger with words. Neither can EVER be taken back once they have been said. Thirdly is the occasion after it has been missed. Many occasions have come and gone and there are yet more to come. Sometimes, we miss things and events for good reasons and often for reasons which are beyond our control. Some of those occasions are of no big deal, so-to-speak. Yet other occasions are monumental and come around only once in a lifetime. I remember Old Socks telling me that he once heard that if a pastor misses his son/daughter's ballgame, play, etc. for a deacon meeting, then the pastor was in the wrong place. He was ALWAYS at David's basketball and baseball games and at special programs both David and Mike were in. Some may not agree with this mentality, but I do urge you to at least consider where you go and what you do and if you are doing it for the RIGHT reasons. The last thing is the time after it is gone. While this can be applied to the occasions, there are other applications. Let's consider the time we spend with loved ones or the time we COULD be spending with loved ones. As I look back at lives that have ended much earlier than I would have liked and look at those around me struggling with illnesses, I am ever reminded that once we are not able to spend time with someone for whatever reason, it is too late to wish we had more time. NONE of us are promised tomorrow, or even the next breath for that matter. I have loved ones who have lived in and do live in this reality due to a terminal or possible terminal illness. However, there doesn't have to be a terminal diagnosis for life to change FOREVER in the blink of an eye.
My challenge is simple tonight....consider your actions and the four things you cannot recover. Until tomorrow, ride safely and choose wisely.