"If only . . "

I think we all have regrets of one sort or another.

So while Edith Piaf's famous song 'Je ne regrette rien' is memorable, it doesn't sound realistic. Most of the people I know regret things that we have done or that have happened to us

How often we say,'If only . . . ' possibly depends on our temperament or situation.

Yesterday, someone said something very illuminating.

Having only been to St. Andrew's Church for Sunday worship 3 or 4 times, this person commented to a friend. 'If only I had come to church earlier in my life, everything would have been different.'

As I wasn't part of that conversation, I don't know what lies behind that comment, though I can make an educated guess.

In our cruel and impersonal world, as we are, to be in a crowd of people where the focus is on the goodness of God, and the reality of caring relationships with one another seems very attractive. How wonderful!

Others have said similar things to me. One persons commented that their confidence has grown since coming to St. Andrew's, or another, that they have managed to overcome long-term addictions. This is wonderful to see happening around and within us.

I recall the challenge that Jesus gave to his first followers. '“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.' (Matthew 5.14-16)

What is striking in these familiar words is the implication that all the glory goes to God and none to the people shining as lamps in our dark world. And that is how it should be. 

We shouldn't be saying 'Look at me', which what our culture tells us to do. We should be always pointing deliberately towards the God who has changed us.

So how will you live today?

Best wishes,

Richard