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 have shared more of the responsibility
carried by my husband.
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 never have bought anything
just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil,
or was guaranteed to last 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.
Let's think about what
God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote
ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally,
as well as spiritually.
Life is too short to let it pass you by.
We only have one shot at this
and then it's gone.