Do you ever wake up in the morning with a tune making the rounds in your head? I do – often. I never know where they come from but they can go on and on and drive me nuts! I woke up last week this 1959 Donegan hit in my ear – “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?” The tune seemingly arrived out of nowhere and drove me crazy all morning.
It’s a catchy tune with too-funny lyrics that captivated audiences around the world. Donegan had social inspiration for writing the fun lyrics but as I hummed the song all morning my thoughts turned to a person with regret. Hopefully this would be a one time learning experience for our gum guy! Lots of us have regrets – but entering a New Year, the question is – can we learn from our regrets and move forward into 2025?
Every person wants to feel like their life matters and live with as few regrets as possible. That’s why so many of us make New Years resolutions each year! Here are a few of my all time favorites: “Be OK with having to make more than one trip from the car to bring in groceries – the human arm can only hold so much.” “Harness every bit of willpower to not hit the elevator button repeatedly in a futile attempt to make it come faster.” “Spend less than $1,825 on coffee at Starbucks this year.” And finally my fav – “I exercise my right to eat dessert first – life’s too short to save the sweet stuff for last.”
The Apostle Paul is a rare one who lived a “no regret” kind of life. Nearing the end of his life, he had been arrested by Nero and now awaited execution. As he sat in his jail cell, I’m sure many things ran through his mind. His final years were jammed packed with amazing ministry exploits! As he reflected over his life, he wrote the following words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness.” Do you hear it? No regrets! But how can that be …for us?
To live a life of no regrets we must learn what is important in life. Paul lived with no regrets because he kept eternity in view. He wasn’t preoccupied with this temporary life. This is why he was able to say that he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in. He had learned to live his life in forward!
Number one on the list of “no regrets” is to know how to prioritize your life. People
say you only live once so go ahead and grab all the gusto you can! Live hard & loose because when you die — baby, that’s it. But the Bible paints a very different picture of life. As Jesus said – “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
A nurse specializing in care of the terminally ill noted the most common regrets of the dying and as she sat at their bedside many tried desperately to make peace with their time spent on earth. Here are their top ten regrets:
- I wish I had let myself be happier.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I with I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I’d had the courage to live life true to myself – not the life others expected.
- I wish I had been a better spouse, parent, or child.
- I wish I had been more loving to the people who matter the most.
- I wish I had taken more risks.
- I wish I’d have done more for others.
- I wish I didn’t worry so much.
I have a few things to add to this list that I think Paul would have lead with. First – you will never regret putting God first in your life. Second – you will never regret putting your faith in Christ as your Savior. And thirdly – you will never regret sharing that faith with someone else! Selah!
Now – just because it’s the start of a brand new year let’s land this plane with a smile and a quirky quote from Mark Twain: “Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly.
Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret ANYTHING that makes you smile.” Okay – now let’s go do 2025!
Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org
