The older you get the more sense this makes.

[Dennis Vogel]

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Soren Kierkegaard - Danish philosopher (1813 - 1855)

At least we know all the grief we go through serves a purpose.

[Rhys 🕊]

Nicely said Dennis. But I'm too young to fully understand it. 

Rhys

[cjwood]

very profound statement.  just like as we get older we can see how our Lord's hand has orchestrated everything that brought us to where we are now.  and now we are exhorted to continue on the narrow path.  going forward.  thanks for sharing dennis.  i hope you are feeling better also.

claudia

[acomplishedartis]

Good to know.
On the last couple moths I am realizing I am still just a boy.


So, New plans to stay focus and quiet regarding my beliefs for the next few years...

[Dennis Vogel]

When I was first married my mother-in-law told me she would never want to be 23 again because she did not want to go through all it took to gain the wisdom she currently had (she was about 44 at the time).

At the time that seemed silly to me. Who wouldn't want their youth back? But I've understood what she said for many years now. It took a lot of stupid mistakes to make it this far.

[microlink]

Having just turned 70, I realize how critical I have been of others, church ministers, people I did not agree with (re doctrine) and oh so much more. The point being, it is vitally more important to be critical of myself in living the Way. Ray has taught me the difference between the self righteousness of keeping the Law vs having Christ live in me. 

[Kat]

When we're young we live by the wit that we think we have.  When we a older we live by the knowledge that we've usually had to gain the hard way 

Kat

[onelovedread]

Very true, Kat. The hard and too often, embarrassing way.

[Dave in Tenn]

There are old fools too.  It's not just the province of the young.  I'd want to do it over ONLY if I knew what I know, and then ONLY because I'd have more time to learn what I don't yet know.

It's a hard lesson that He directs our paths, but NOT in a straight line from A-Z. 

[Kat]

You know Dave, I wouldn't want to go back even with what I know. One time is enough. Reincarnation would be a cruel thing indeed, if it were true.

Kat

[acomplishedartis]

There are old fools too.  It's not just the province of the young.  I'd want to do it over ONLY if I knew what I know, and then ONLY because I'd have more time to learn what I don't yet know.

It's a hard lesson that He directs our paths, but NOT in a straight line from A-Z.

I agree as well.

I have to keep reminding my self that I am not in such a hurry to learn new things, I guess I am blessed with time...

[Rito1980]

isaiah 55:8 King James 2000 Bible
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

[indianabob]

Welcome Rito,
Great to have you here.
Love to learn more about you. Family size, job background, how you got to the forum, world traveler etc.

Ole Indiana Bob

[Dennis Vogel]

I'd want to do it over ONLY if I knew what I know, and then ONLY because I'd have more time to learn what I don't yet know.

I've had the same thought but if we went back and fixed our mistakes then we would not be the person we are today.

[Craig]

Amen Dennis, I have thought about this and I really don't think I would change a thing.  One small change could lead to huge repercussions.
Craig

[acomplishedartis]

So you guys, CAN'T go back, and others don't even want to go back.

Taking advantage of the situation, while finding my self ''back'',

I will give it a shot, and ask you guys, if you guys could tell some advance to your young self, what would it be?

[bob]

If I were able to give my young self advise it would be to stop taking your self so seriously. That wonderful person you think is so good and cool is a jerk. There is a beast inside you about to unleash itself and create havoc all around you. You need to take a long spiritual look inside and see the arrogant, jerk you really are. But alas, my young self would answer, so you really think I'm that cool  uh? Now at age 73 looking back as I do often, to me is embarrassing, thank God for Jesus Christ.

[Dave in Tenn]

The main thing I'd tell myself is to control my tongue.  And then that there are few examples to follow, but many to avoid.  Both are valuable.

[walt123]

Hello all.

When I think about the past,I feel something like this scene from the shawshank redemption

http://youtu.be/KtwXlIwozog

Like JFK quoted,"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; ...

Walt.