Most of us know the parable of the prodigal son. He wasted his inheritance in a country far from his home. He could've given up all hope, but he recognized the hurt he caused his father. With great sorrow, he decided to return to his home and beg his father's forgiveness. He was even prepared to work as a servant for his father. His regret turned to Resolve. This son began to live a better life in the home of his forgiving father.
Although regret can canker the soul and hinder our progression, it can also help us resolve to take action to to improve our lives. I have regret from an experience 40 years ago. I know that this awful regret cannot change anything one iota.
Resolve this properly and make a better life.
Each experience of our lives can be a learning experience if we will let it be. Many of us have at some time made at least one serious mistake, one bad decision. Some have done things that changed the course of their lives. Perhaps some previous decision has inhibited our growth. Maybe it's still affecting us. We have been counseled from the heavens that we may have comfort. Try that these things will trouble you no more.
The wise person recognizes the waste of wallowing in regret. A wise man stated the following : "Awake my soul! Let my troubles cease to bring me down. O my heart give no more for the enemy of my soul."
What we cannot change should not needlessly keep us from looking and moving forward. Nothing lost or left behind should keep us from now becoming what we can, from learning what we now can learn. Whatever the past or its meaning, or its length or its losses, or its lessons learned or left unlearned, we carry on from where we are - wherever it is and become what we can ; with work, repentance, improvement ; with faith in the future.
When we find ourselves filled with regret over our mistakes or lost opportunities, we might ask ourselves : Am I inhibiting my growth by worrying over these past occurrences? How can I turn these mistakes into learning experiences so that I can actually become a better person because of them?
Our lives can often be improved significantly if we will turn our regret into determination to change our situation and grow from our experiences. Remember that guilt makes us feel worse about ourselves and keeps us from meaningful progress.
Take time to contrast the difference between looking forward and looking back on past actions.
How can we focus on what we can do rather than on what we have done?
Sources : RS courses of study. Own life experience. Pixabay, Google images.
