The time that I have spent in recent weeks going through some diagnostic tests has caused me to rewind the recorder of my mind and to revisit the times in my life when I could have done or said things differently. If only I knew then what I know now! I could not appreciate how a seventy something feels when I was twenty-six, but I have come to the conclusion that I would have been a better twenty-six year old if only I had been old first.

If only I had been old first…
I would have realized that my opinions are often better left
unexpressed.
I would have taken the back roads more often than the interstates.
I would have slowed down and enjoyed the journey more.
I would not have thrown caution to the wind.
I would have been a more compassionate nurse.
I would have forgotten those things that were behind and travelled
lighter.
I would have put God first.

Somewhere I heard it said that “I wish I did not know now what I did not know then.”, but I am glad that I know more now for through experience I have found hope.