Regrets..I've had a few...

Last Wednesday, we all had a good time during cell at Randy & Jacqui’s home (Thank You to you both!) sharing about what forgiveness means to us. It was a deep and awesome time for me as the members of the cell shared their life experience and some of their deep emotions for edification of others. Really, I felt very blessed by all that happened that evening.

However, one thing that we did not cover is the question of regrets. In the film clip that was shown last Wednesday, Morrie spoke of this to Mitch about his regrets; hardness of heart, things he did not do, and about his late father. Regrets that we have are about things that we need to forgive ourselves for; things we didn’t do when we should have, wrongs we made, hurts we caused. As Jacqui mentioned last Wednesday, forgiving ourselves is perhaps the hardest thing to do.

Having regrets is perhaps a healthy sign. We have them when we realise what role we have played in any strife and are deeply sorry for it. Two things happen when regrets hit us. First, we have finally arrived at the point of seeing a situation from the OTHER person’s point of view realising how hurt or disappointed that person was or is. Secondly, we realise that we too need forgiveness. If we can seek forgiveness from anyone that we have wronged, then the best course of action is to seek out the person and say, “sorry”. But like Morrie, oftentimes we cannot do so. And just as hurting as a wrong unto ourselves, a regret can also be a stronghold in us that grows bitter roots undermining our self confidence and self worth.

This is not the Lord wants for us. He wants to set us free from any hindrance that may stand in the way of our relationship with Him. Colossians 3: 13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” We have to remember that the Lord has forgiven us. Forgiveness is a character of Christ. We are asked to forgive others as we have been forgiven. When it comes to our regrets, we must forgive ourselves as it is pointless to hold onto something that has ALREADY been forgiven by the Father. If He does not hold our wrong against us, why should we hold onto it ourselves? His forgiveness is our freedom. For John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” So, accept that we are forgiven for our wrongs. That is the first step towards forgiving ourselves.

Rodney

two stories that came to mind....

Let me start off by saying that I DID enjoy cell last night!! Hands up those of you who didn't???

Good, all very compliant, all enjoyed.........

During the course of the cell, and because of the discussions that took place, two stories came to mind.

When Kelly was talking about legacies.....

We all know, the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti just recently passed away. Within three days of his death, I got the first corny joke about his passing, and I forwarded that to some friends. One of them commented, 'aiyo, his body not even cold yet, and the corny jokes have started!!'

I replied to her, I hope someday when I die, there'll be loads of corny emails going around about me. Then I will know (hopefully I'll be in heaven when I come to this realisation!!) that I've arrived.

When we were talking about how you would live your life if you knew when you would die...

I read a story in the newspapers some time back. An old English gentleman was told he had a terminal disease (sorry, I forget what the disease was......) and that he would die in a short time, say one or two years (sorry again, I forget the exact time frame, it WAS a long time ago I read this story........). So he decided to be unconventional. Much like Morrie Schwarz he was given a finite timeline to live. He sold all that he had, cashed in on his insurance policies and set out to enjoy the rest of his life. He must've gone on a cruise or two, seen the world or three, and basically I'm certain, he partied like there was no tomorrow (there wasn't, as far as he was concerned).

What's the catch?? Well, three years down the road, (or more, I don't remember, but it doesn't really matter) something drastic happened. His money ran out. NO, he DIDN'T die. And he had no more money.

The story ends with him suing the doctors who diagnosed his disease and gave him his timeframe.

I just thought I'd share this with all of you, as I sat there thinking, even the best laid plans.........

Ok folks, consider that my orientation into the Group!!!

God Bless.

signed,

Mr. M

From the housefly’s mouth …

Hey there! You’re probably wondering where this is coming from. Well, it’s coming from me - you know, the great guy you try to swat all the time – yup, you got it. It’s me, Housefly. Well, to be precise, Housefly ala Amy and Derek Chin. That’s right. I’m not your usual housefly – I live at No. 6, Jalan TR4/1, Tropicana Golf and Country Resort. So, that makes me kinda high-class, no?

I don’t usually say much. I like to just observe. But I guess when something extraordinary takes place, I just can’t keep my mouth shut, can I? Well, OK, I couldn’t. So here’s an account of what happened at the Chin’s residence on Wednesday, 5 September 2007. An account from my point of view – your humble housefly.

Wednesday, 5 September 2007 started kinda perfectly. It was a sunny morning and I was so thrilled when the temperature picked up considerably as the day went on (hey, houseflies love the heat, no?). I was wondering what brought on this wonderful weather when it had been raining the last few days? On hindsight, it could have had something to do with those prayers Amy was muttering – asking God to hold back the rain! Wow, God must have really been listening!

I spent my day hovering around, as chirpy as I can be, watching Amy and her faithful helpers moving up and down, carrying tables, chairs … and instructions going back and forth … the level of activity picked up as did the temperature, as the day went along. Strange, I thought. Been a while since I see this much of activities and Amy looking so stressed out! And scones! I even smelt scones! Oooohhhh, this was surely going to be a perfect day!

Then some strange people turned up started a fire in front of the house. What were they thinking!!???! Didn’t they learn from the neighbour’s inferno? And then there was this really great smelling stuff they dished out and put over the fire … I got it, finally! It was a whole, roast lamb! By golly! What a feast! Just when you think that was the ultimate, a van came and delivered a whole load of food! Strawberries, pastries, lasagne, fried rice … ooooh, I salivate just recalling the scene!

More people started coming. Started with these two lovely ladies in white, which I thought was nice, but a little too much for just 2 guests, no? Hah, before I knew it, they started coming in droves! More and more women in white! Thank goodness the men were more imaginative! What’s wrong with these women?

I watched in fascination as someone arrived with a keyboard and microphones. This is one real party, even a housefly could tell you that! Things were happening so quickly after that, even I was getting dizzy. More food – yes – mee goreng, chicken wings, salad … gosh, they must be really hungry!

Then came speeches and, music! The songs filled the home, and our quiet home was ringing with the loveliest music ever. They were praising God, and I tell you, if I were God, I’d be pleased. And they prayed too. I loved the prayer for the Chins…they prayed for blessings not only for them, you see, but for the household, and that includes ME!!! Thank you, thank you guys … and yes, God, BLESS THIS HOME!

Then the eating and the real ruckus began. They were laughing, talking … where do they get their energy from? There were these two men in black that sure got a lot of attention from the women. Obviously, black is the colour for ladies and … that’s what I am! Hey – watch out, all ye, sexy housefly ladies!

I flew around and watched and took in all I could. It's been a while since I saw such revelry! But I was getting tired, and yet they didn't seem to show any sign of stopping! By 11.00 pm, I was really trying to keep my eyes open. And then, all of a sudden, they started saying good bye. But even that took a while! When they were all finally out the door, I closed my eyes to an end of a wonderful day, and the last thing I saw was my dear Lady of the House, Amy, heaving a huge sigh of relief with a smile on her face ...