Regrets at Sunset?

Last night, my wife and I were watching the final episode of the television mini-series, John Adams. The mini-series is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book, John Adams, written by David McCullough. There is a gripping scene toward the end of the film. John Adams, now ninety years of age is walking through a field near his house with his youngest son, Thomas. He stops and tells his son about the queen of France whom he had met. He then points to a small flower growing among the tall grass and states that the queen, beautiful in face and form and arrayed in all of her diamonds was not as beautiful as this small flower. Abigail (Adam's wife) was always urging Adams to pause and look at the beauty around him ... and Adams regretted that he was only now doing so.

He also looked at Thomas and said, "Rejoice always!" He then began to laugh. When Thomas asked him what he was talking about, Adams replied, "Rejoice always. The words of St. Paul." Adams continued on to say something to the effect that he had wished he had learned to do so earlier in his life and not now at the end of his life.

All this to remind you (and me!) that one day we will all be at the final stage of our earthly journey. And most likely like Adams, we will have regrets about certain things that we had not practiced while living here on earth. Let me encourage you today to pause and take a moment to read over the following list of statements. Perhaps you will see something that you need to change NOW so that when you get to the sunset of your life - you will have NO REGRETS!


- My parents truly feel honored by me (The 5th Commandment - "Honor your father and your mother" may very well to be the most neglected of the commandments!).

- I have told those closest to me (neighbors, co-workers, family members) about my faith in Jesus Christ.

- I spend at least some time most days (if not every day) reading and meditating on the Bible.

- My friends know just how much I appreciate them.

- My spouse understands the strength of my commitment to him/her.

- My children feel the depth of my love for them.

- People who know me would describe me as a contented, joy-filled person.

- I regularly pray for my family, friends, church, and community.

- My financial house is in order, enabling me to generously give to God's kingdom work.


Take a moment to look over these statements. This list is not meant to be an exhaustive list - but rather a list just to get you thinking about some of the more important things in life.

Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj