1025. The sweetest two words are “next time.” The sourest word is “if.” ~Chi Chi Rodriguez

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When a thing’s done, it’s done,
and if it’s not done right,
do it differently next time.
~Arthur Ransome

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Next time what I’d do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I’d stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.

When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I’d watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain,
any sign of what lifted the voice.

And for all, I’d know more — the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.
~A poem by Mary Oliver

Okay, kiddies, it’s January 1st and thus the “next time” around this old earth for all of us. And as I’ve aged I’ve come to realize that before starting a new chapter in life, it’s always a good idea to give some thought first to what I’d do differently “next time.” What-if’s are never a good choice because they take the focus off the gifts and lessons of today’s reality. What-iffies are like trying to see what’s coming around the corner before one ever gets to the corner. Since there is absolutely no way we can know what’s around that corner, they waste valuable time preparing for what may never happen. And they are “squishy” in nature in that they require of us no firm direction or intent and allow for a lack of faith. Finding bumps in the road around any corner is a given, but after falling and failing as many times as I have, I’ve learned to get up, dust my behind off, and look for the seeds inherent in all mistakes because they gifts from above that teach one how to improve. So off I go once more seeking that which the Lord lays upon my plate and knowing that in every season there is the possibility of all things under heaven which means sorrow will come but it can’t stop me from laughing, loving, singing, and dancing.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here! ~2 Corinthians 5:17  ✝

**Images via Pinterest; collage by Natalie

15 thoughts on “1025. The sweetest two words are “next time.” The sourest word is “if.” ~Chi Chi Rodriguez”

  1. I’m so thankful that wisdom comes with age…but sometimes I don’t feel so wise:) The Lord puts things on our plate that can seem an unsurmountable task, but He does promise to give the strength when we need it. Happy New Year Natalie, thank you for a thought provoking post.

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    • Me neither Susan, but then I know I’m wiser at least than I once was. Indeed the Lord can put great challenges before us. He does promise to give us the strength to cope but what we have to remember is that He only gives us that one day at a time. That’s why it’s so important not to lose heart when we think we can’t make it another day. When the morrow comes, new strength comes with it. I’m glad you found the post thought provoking. Happy New Year to you as well! Love and hugs, N 🙂 ❤

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  5. I figure I just ride roughshod along life’s bumpy roads in a old jalopy with worn tires more rim than rubber, hitting every rut and bump—seems the only way I’ve ever learned—always the hard way—I wish it were different and maybe with all this age, it’s gotten better—but God sees and He knows…and I’m just glad He opts to ride shotgun 🙂

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