The If Only Feeling

I was thinking today about what folks say after someone,
especially a young person, passes away.
They use the words "If only" quite a bit. 

"If only I'd spent more time with them"
"If only I'd said I love you, one more time"
"If only I'd taken the time to drive with them"
"If only I'd had them over for dinner more"





I have been pondering this in regards to my children.
None of us know how many days we will spend on this earth.
Our lives are in the Lord's hands and in his time, he will call us home.
While we do walk the earth,
we should focus on making the relationship with our spouses and children truly count.

In the past I have had the "if only" feeling.
I lost my first son in the womb at 38 weeks.
After he passed, to myself I would think
"if only, I had enjoyed those kicks a little more"
"I wish that I had truly savored those ultrasound photos"

I also know of a women whose son was born without full arms or legs.
She wrote a beautiful blog filled with if onlys and I would haves
Here is a quote from her blog:
"Makes me sad I took Rachel & Jaxon's hands and feet for granted, just always assuming they would be there on any baby I had. If I would have known I would have kissed theirs a lot more. I would have held them longer. I would have taken more pictures of them. I would have bought more shoes. I would have cherished every time I had to clip their nails."

I am constantly reminded to sit down with my children.
Read that book, sing the song or just have a little play chat.

I trust in the Lord..... and know he is holding mine, and my children's lives in his hand
but, I still need to savor these passing moments.
All too soon they are gone and we are left with memories
and the knowledge that those who leave us are with Christ.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present. nor things to come, nor anything else, in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, I encourage you as soon as you can sit down with your loved ones,
and truly savor the moment. 

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, 
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
Psalms 19:14