Have you ever had buyer’s remorse? You either buy something you don’t need, maybe it could be better quality, or you pass up something you want, and when you go back, it is gone. These scenarios are frustrating, sometimes guilt-ridden, especially if the budget is blown out of the water for something unnecessary. Then there are those great deals you pass up for whatever reason, like an item or experience you’ve wanted for a long time.

Our lives can have buyer’s remorse as well. Harsh words spoken in a fit of anger, texts sent that can’t be taken back, family time sacrificed on the altar of work, or selfish hobbies. I was a teenager in the ’70s and the 1974 folk rock song “Cat’s in the Cradle” was a haunting melody about a father who never had time for his son, only to have his son not have time for him when he reached old age. We will all go to our graves with the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. There will be trivial ones…like I should have always eaten dessert first 🙂 and there will be the ones that were life altering.

You and I can’t change the past or control other people’s emotions and choices. Although, as my family can tell you, I tried my hardest to be their Jr. Holy Spirit. We have damaged our relationships and/or harmed ourselves with addictions and destructive behavior. The shoulda, coulda, woulda list that we carry is heavy and emotionally crippling. I know my list felt like a ball and chain. It sucked the joy and life right out of me and left behind heartache and despair.

You and I don’t have to live our lives dragging our sins and regrets behind us. We have a choice to surrender it all to the One who offers us forgiveness and already carried the burdens for us. We can walk in Joyful Do-Overs from this day forward. We’ll walk together, Jesus, you, and me. Are you ready?

Matthew 11:28 The Message

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Jesus