Death Bed Regrets

Article 100 | Well DONE, Good And Faithful Servant,

Today's takeaway is simple: Don’t let YOU be the first to say “no” to yourself. Let other people do that (lol). 

Consider most deathbed regrets. They are never a warning against “trying something different”, “meeting someone new”, or “spending more time with family”. No, they are always about what they wish they had done but didn't. About dreams they left unfulfilled, chances they didn't take, time they never invested. In other words, most deathbed holdups are regrets by omission.

Why do I bring this up? Because the best time to think about dying is when you're living. Especially when we want to live a life that is fulfilled, purposeful, and aligned with the Lord's calling for us. It is absolutely essential to understand that the impact of what you “didn’t do” can weigh just as heavily, or even more so, than that of what you did.

We learn this in Proverbs 13:12, when King Solomon writes, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” While this is not an encouragement to brash action, it clearly explains that God-given callings and dreams weigh on our hearts for a reason.

Too often we preemptively stop ourselves before the good parts have even arrived. We think “they would never like us,” so we stop ourselves from going up to them. We are convinced “it will never work,” so we don’t even try. We miss the shot before we even take it!

But here’s the thought that I’ve found liberation in: What's the worst that could happen? 

I have played out this very question many a time with my mother, where we draw out a scenario by asking “and then what” over and over again. Most of the time, they end with a reasonable outcome, one in which no one dies and everyone is still okay (realistically speaking). Sure, you might get a few bruises here and there, or feel slightly embarrassed, from time to time, but remember, Life's Tough, So Get A Helmet.

When we meet our Maker, the words we should be working to hear are “Well done, good and faithful servant,”. Notice the action verb present: doing, not avoiding. Active participation in the Lord's will, not passive inactivity.

Regrets by omission hold no sway over us when we do what we are called toward. After all, we all only live on this earth once, so we must, MUST, make the most of it. Memento Mori.

This week, ask yourself, What's God calling me to right now that I have been conveniently avoiding? Remember it’s never too late; lean in and live with purpose. 

- Making The Most Of Being Curious, Daniel J. Cuesta

P.S. This article holds a very special place in my heart as in many ways, this newsletter, and particularly this article, Number 100, is a testament to the very idea of working toward avoiding a regret by omission (By the Grace of God and for His Glory).

I know this exact same thing, and even greater, is a step of faith away in your own life if only you gather up the courage, grab God by the hand, and step into that unique calling He has set into your heart. Cheers to what's to come 🥂.

Sources:

Avoid Regrets By Omission: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” - Proverbs 13:12

Main Ambition In Life: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:21