It’s not because I didn’t see the destruction they caused, because believe me I did. Sure I wish I could take back all that pain and disappointment but, even though I can’t, I still don’t regret those circumstances.
But recently I’ve realized that I actually do regret one dumb decision I made years ago. But why is this one different? Yeah, this is one of those big dumb ones, but I can name two other big dumb ones I've made. So why do I regret this one and not the other two?
I’ve learned from my mistakes, and they’ve strengthened me as a person and a friend...yet this one I still regret?
Then I realize, the two big ones I don’t regret are ones I’ve not only learned from but, with the Healer’s help, also seen how they have worked for the better.
Because of those mistakes I’ve been able to help others who are caught in the same place I was. I’ve also seen the joy of letting my mistake prevent others from making the same decision. To me, that’s worth it.
That’s not to say I’d go back and do the same thing intentionally, but it is to say there is a Sovereign God who can take those dumb decisions that Satan hopes will slow me down and turn them into something that will make me and those around me stronger (Rom 8:28).
(Talk about your backfire.)
So why do I regret the one, and not the others?
My conclusion:
Regret is the feeling you get when you haven’t found the benefit of learning from your mistake.
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