The regret thing
By Rev. David Hind
David is now the minister of trinity church Leicester and his articles have been greatly appreciated.
Susan and I married in the Bar Hill Church in Cambridge. I have almost no memories of the day other than the fact that Susan looked wonderful and my tie was bright green. I am told that the photographer had to continually tell me to smile less, so I imagine I looked happy.
As Susan walked down the aisle I realised that she was a rose from God, saved for me. I was Susan’s first boyfriend – the only man she had ever kissed – and she brought to me the gift of her virginity. For this I was, and am grateful.
At our wedding I could not bring the same gift to Susan and although I was forgiven, and we had talked of my life before I met her, I regretted this. In fact, this remains the biggest regret of my life. I can’t change it and I don’t blame anyone else for it, I simply regret it.
I have just watched an episode of West Wrag, which has triggered this chapter. The West Wrag is my favourite TV series ever and I love it. In the episode I have just watched, the female press secretary is looking back at a relationship she wish had never happened….
‘There is night of my life I regret more than that one. I wish I could explain it. If I could take back one moment of my life, it would be then.’ People carry so many regrets in life. I have talked to people who regret having an abortion, regret a relationship, regret their part in a failed marriage and regret financial mistakes. Others regret a decision that caused devastation and regret not expressing love when they had opportunity. The list could go on of the many things we would do differently, if only there was a second chance.
As Peter saw Jesus on the shore after the resurrection, I believe his emotions were in turmoil. The joy of seeing the One he loved, and the regret that he had betrayed Him was real for Peter. As he reached the shore he would have looked into the eyes that accepted him and believed in him and he carried the regret that those same eyes had seen him deny and walk away. Three times Peter denied Jesus and three times Jesus spoke to him on the beach. Jesus said to Peter, ‘Do you love Me?……follow Me’ - John 21: 17, 19. Jesus gave Peter a second chance.
So the regret thing, do we move on? · Be honest with yourself and bring your regrets into the open. It can be good to confess your sins to someone else.
· Ask Jesus to forgive you - - He will. ‘Godly sorrow worketh repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets’ – 1 Corinthians 7: 10 · If you have wronged another and they still alive, talk to them, write to them, or find a way to apologize. · Forgive yourself and start again. · Receive and be amazed by the grace of God that gives you a second chance.
