I wish I had known then what I know now . . .

If you’ve ever said those words you’re not alone. But what would be done differently if you had the chance to do it over again?

Many lament the choices they’ve made, citing mistakes that negatively altered the course of their lives. But if you really knew then what you know now, what changes would you make?

With few exceptions, most of us wish we had looked more at the big picture, pursued our dreams, and focused on the important stuff. All of that is well and good, but what is the practical application?

It may surprise you what some have said would be the top items on their list of things to change.

If I knew then what I know now, I would . . .

• Spend less time working, and more time with family.
  • Although this is true, it’s even harder to slow down. We have a powerful enemy telling us it’s never enough and we should work harder. That’s not to say that all hard work is evil—hard work is Scriptural. But we need to spend as much time with family as possible. That really is what counts.
• Invest more and waste less.
  • Many individuals with whom I have spoken feel strongly about this one. They regret spending foolishly on depreciating items, and know they can never recover those funds. Investing is in the past, and there is little to do about it. The simple pleasures we spent our money on really didn’t count for much in the grand scheme of things.
• Take God’s Word more seriously.
  • Placing our faith in God should mean that we spend time in His Word faithfully. We are encouraged and challenged to study Scripture and understand it. Beginning this process early in life is a sign of wisdom.
• Given my time to missions.
  • This may not mean that you go to the mission field full-time (although it may). But giving of oneself for the purpose of carrying the Gospel to parts of the world that have never heard His name may be something the Lord wants us to do regularly. I have seen my children becoming involved in this early in life, and it’s heartwarming.
• Been a more devoted husband/wife.
  • I don’t know many couples that feel they have been the best they could be. Most of us would love the chance to do better. But that usually means spending more time with each other, our spouse we love them in small ways, and communicating. That in itself is a biggie.

It’s only natural that we aren’t happy with our past performance and wish it were better. But we can go from wherever we are now and improve regardless of past mistakes.

We owe it to our spouse to give our all, but remember—that may mean giving up something else.