I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner, even if the carpet was
stained
and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried
much
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the
fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about
his
youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer
day
because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it
melted
in
storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about
grass
stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and
more
while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the
earth
would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
wouldn't
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished
every
moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was my only
chance
in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later.
Now
go
get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" and more "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...
look
at it and really see it... Live it... and never give it back.
Don't forget to stop and smell the roses today! Take time to tell a
loved
one how much you love them, do something nice for yourself, and stop to
give
God thanks for all of it.