Wouldn’t it be nice if we could simply erase the events of the past? We can face life with all kinds of question marks or we can have faith that whatever we do will be guided by the creator of the universe. A poem called, “What Ifs,” by Shel Silverstein, addresses those questions from a child’s POV. I am having trouble copying and pasting the actual words this morning, but I have my own version. Last night, I spent some restless hours thinking about some things that I worry about as an old person. I thought about that poem and realized that the “what ifs” of life are nothing more than teasers that try to invade our thinking into believing we have control over our destiny.

• What if I don’t wake up in time to make it to the bathroom?
• What if I stumble on my way there and fall down?
• What if my knees give out?
• What if my teeth fall out?
• what if my hearing aids get lost?
• What if my favorite chair breaks down?
• What if no one comes to visit me?
• What if I lose my sense of humor?
• What if my memory fails?
• What if I wear two different shoes?
• What if my hair falls out?
• What if I can’t pay my bills?
• What if I don’t have a will?
• What if the what ifs will never leave me alone?

Most of the “What ifs” on my list are genuine concerns as we grow older. The beginning of a new week or a new day isn’t going to make all our dreams come true. It isn’t going to allow us to reach all our goals and be successful. It does gives us a new beginning and chance to start over. If we could just take one minute, one second to take a deep breath and say goodbye to yesterday, would all our troubles melt like lemon drops and streets become paved with gold?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if hatred was a word which had become obsolete? If only there was a place to which we could escape and find complete peace. No anger, no strife, no conflict, no uncontrollable rage; a place where everyone was of the same mind, without fear of retaliation, hopelessness or depression?

As I begin a new week, I can’t help but remember the words my husband used so often during his life. “God has this.” His faith helped mine to grow. His determination and confidence passed on to his children and all he came into contact with. What if Jesus returned today? Will we be ready for Him? The easiest way to prepare is to receive the truth of His Word.  Accept it and believe with all your heart that our salvation has already been won by the Son of God.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!