Second Chance Opportunities


by Kim Newsome - Date: 2007-01-07 - Word Count: 815 Share This!

We just returned home yesterday from my hometown in Pennsylvania and the funeral of my sister (in law, but that doesn't apply in my heart). I am exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. Although this was the third trip there in the past two months it was time and money so well spent. Declining health and death both have a way of taking a look at life through a microscope.

Good and past relationships are brought to mind and missed…sometimes renewed. And bad past relationships are desperate to be repaired-when each involved feels the same.

Before Pastor Henry began his message he invited those who wished to say a few words about Carole to come forward. Only two people did and one was one of her granddaughters, Laura. I was very proud of her and I know that Carole would be, too. Many did not for fear of emotions getting in the way of saying something really profound. I wanted so much to say what was on my heart about her, but I froze in my seat as well. Later I thought of all that I could have said. I am comfortable with speaking in front of people and have done it many times, but did not expect the invitation and made a split second decision with later regrets.

Life is full of regrets-it is how we handle them that matters. We can learn from them as well as our mistakes. They have a way of bringing about change if we let them. If we live long enough to see those changes through to a peace of mind, then we are truly blessed.

Many people don't act on their regrets-it becomes a way of life to dwell on them, breathe them on others inappropriately and even enjoy the level of attention that it brings for a season.

These regrets that I am referring to are much more serious than deciding not to get up and say a few words-I have already shared my memories with close family members and friends. It is a way of life, hurtful words towards others and a history of not forgiving others that I speak of. These traits alone are debilitating.

So my dear sister's long illness has offered many people, including myself, an opportunity for second chances. How many of us will take them? How many will cling to the teaching-the Truth that Pastor Henry delivered, showing God's plan to spend eternity with Him? His plan does not include regrets and missed opportunities to mend relationships, dwelling on past hurts and speaking bitterness to those who will listen or holding them inside to fester, affecting body and soul. The opposite of that is true forgiveness without even being asked for it. It is showing agape love-loving others to their highest good.

Even Carole was given many second chances, by the grace of God, because she knew for quite a while that her time on earth was coming to a close. She had time to reflect and time to look within her self even when she could not communicate properly because of a stroke. She was given a gift of time and her family was given the gift of time to spend with her knowing it was limited. For those who took advantage of that and who spent the time wisely, reading scripture, playing inspirational music, mending relationships, making her comfortable and speaking Truth and Eternal Life into her ears-in person or by phone-they should be at peace. My niece afforded me that opportunity just a few hours before she died. Jackie held the phone to Carole's ear while I told her that I loved her and reminded her to call on the name of Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She'd heard it many times, but it was a special moment for me to cry with her in her last hours though I was a thousand miles away.

I am grateful for the recent time spent with many family members and some old friends, too. The changes and growths that I observed have been varied-hair length and color, as well as hair loss, weight loss and weight gain. Maturity (or the lack of) of certain people becomes evident when the time span of missed reunions and impromptu visits is 17 - 21 years. Laughter abounded along with the tears and many (sorry to say) moments of anger among family members who were not in agreement with decisions made. My prayer is that every angry and bitter thought will be taken captive by the holder and made obedient in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 10:5).

We all know that many lives are ended in an instant and only God knows why. So it is vital that we prepare our hearts for that moment of no turning back. I am grateful every day for just the gift of 'waking up'. It becomes a new day of second chances-opportunities for change.

©January 2007 Kim Newsome


Related Tags: relationships, peace, truth, death, second, opportunities, chances, chance, eternity, regrets

Kim Newsome and her husband, Kevin, are ministers of the Gospel who desire only to walk in God's will for their lives.

http://www.walkingintheson.org

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