Regret

“Regret comes with two faces: to regret our failures is one thing, to regret our life choices is entirely another.”

“When we regret the roads that have taken us to where we are now, we risk the loss of the future.

However, when we regret doing what we should never have done--injuring someone’s reputation, abusing someone we loved, abandoning the truth for sake of advancement or approval, violating our own bodies to the point of physical or emotional degradation--we know we’ve grown into someone of value. It is a moment of enlightenment when we realize that the years have grown us as well as have sustained us.” Joan Chittister

I looked at a live streaming of the organization I used to participate in yesterday. I’ve had a flood of thoughts and emotions. Like with all things I seek to learn. In my effort to understand I ran across that quote and it spoke to me and gave me insight.

I struggled trying to find balance for many years. The balance between the regrets I have for my past at Genesis. As I watched that service I realized I have found what I searched for. I have grown from my regrets for my actions whether intentional or not. And through my  acknowledgment  of my participation I have found empathy, compassion, understanding, strength and wisdom. I no longer regret my journey through Genesis because it brought me to where I am today.

I no longer feel the need to justify my stance or my past. I am learning to live with who I am in peace and liberty. God has graciously given me eyes to see and a heart to understand. I am grateful.

I can only hope as you read this quote that you consider any regrets that you may have and determine for yourself how or if they have helped or hindered your journey.