“Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh.”- Henry David Thoreau
In Chapter 6 of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, author Mark Batterson observes that when we step out in faith, we almost always second guess ourselves. Furthermore, Andy Stanley notes in his book The Next Generation Leader that in general we’re never going to be more than 80% certain of any decision. Missed opportunities may result if we wait for greater certainty.
Pastor Batterson adds that most of us want absolute certainty before we step out in faith, a 100% money-back guarantee. However, the major problem with absolute certainty is that faith is taken out of the equation.
The author believes that sinking is better than sitting. When all is said and done, our greatest regrets will be the God-ordained risks we didn’t take. While action regrets leave a bad taste in our mouths, inaction regrets leave a bitter aftertaste that lasts a lifetime. The key is to channel our regrets into a more courageous approach to life.
Today’s question: In what ways have you been courageous following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Special note: the new Short Meditation, “Hide and Seek”, will post Tuesday, March 18th.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Mustard seed opportunities”
