If I Had My Life To Live Over...

After receiving this in an email today, I wanted to share it with you. It was written by Erma Bombeck (February 21, 1927 – April 22, 1996). **I have found this posted on numerous other websites so I'm sure I can legally post this (seeing that I'm giving full credit to Mrs. Bombeck).** This can be found in her book, Eat Less Cottage Cheese And More Ice Cream. I LOVE the title of that book!! And in honor of Mrs. Bombeck, I shall eat some Blue Bell ice cream later today!

Some of my friends might know that I am a fan of Mrs. Bombeck. She was a humorist who wrote a column for many decades, and also published numerous books. For my Speech Performance final in college (which had to be performed in front of an audience of 250 people), I did my monologue on Erma Bombeck (this was the first and last time I ever appeared on a public stage speaking. We'll discuss my stage fright issue another day).

If I need a good laugh, I'll read one of her books. But, she also knew how to make a person think about life. I'm posting this today as a reminder to look at what are really the most important things in life. I'm guilty of sometimes "sweating the small stuff", and not paying attention to what is more important. I hope you take time to read her words and think about them!

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck

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 have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or 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 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 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 realised that the wonderment growing inside me was the 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." 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.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day.

Thanks for the reminder Erma! You are still missed even today!

For more info on Erma Bombeck, go here.