Saturday, January 23, 2010

If I Had My Life To Live Over

               Hammock Girl, Olivia Kate                                                         

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
























I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.



I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.                                       


I would have talked less and listened more.


I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.


I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.


I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.



I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.


I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.


I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.





I would have never bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed for a lifetime.






















Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.




When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”


There would have been more “I love you’s.” More “I’m sorry’s.”  








But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it… live it… and never give it back. 

Stop sweating the small stuff.  Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.












Dance!









Swim! Laugh! Play! Enjoy! 



















We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.      



Wishing you blessed days!






credits:
Scrapbook page
 by Eva Paige Burk


Photos:  "Rose Light" and "Butterfly Petals" 
 by Elizabeth Ann Burk





3 comments:

  1. Totally awesome. Thanks for sharing. I miss you all a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing this Linda! Good to "see" you doing so well. And I love the butterflies!

    Warm regards,
    Debra Russell
    Certified Business Coach
    For the Arts and Entertainment Industry
    http://artists-edge.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a day-brightener---thank you for sharing this. I'm always glad to be reminded to slow down, smell the roses, and be grateful.

    Your family is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete