“If I knew then what I know now…”
These wishful words are usually spoken in regret of something we should have done differently. However, we aren’t born with instant knowledge and wisdom. There are those rare people who will heed the advice of someone who has already been down the road. But most of us are experiential learners. We read about someone’s problem and their solution, all the while believing we will obtain different results. Usually, we experience the same failures and pain. We must attend the school of life where experience is the greatest teacher.
Looking Forward—No Regrets
Mercy Me’s recent song release, Dear Younger Me, is my inspiration for this series of six blog posts. Regrettably, I can’t teleport back in time to instill instant knowledge and wisdom into Younger Me. I’d love to help avoid the pitfalls and pain.
Dear Older Me, do not let regret destroy your spirit. Share your lessons with others. Encourage them. Your experiences have not been wasted. Perhaps, like Queen Esther, you are here for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)
Construction Zone
According to Wikipedia, a cornerstone or foundation stone was ceremoniously placed early in the construction stage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone). This reference point determined the strength and positioning of the building’s walls.
God is building His temple with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone. He uses each of us as the bricks in that wall (Ephesians 2:19-20). Therefore, we also must each define our cornerstones and then build on them or we will crumble in the face of adversity.
What I Know Now Cornerstones
Through my lifetime, I’ve learned many things that have drawn me closer to God. Some events caused great pain; others, while valuable, were easier to embrace. Learning different truths from these events formed five distinct cornerstones in my Christian life. Interestingly however, they share a common bond: thankfulness.
- Connect with God.
- Be thankful in all things.
- Trust the Master.
- Pursue forgiveness.
- Embrace your who.
Would you return to these posts for the next several days? I’d love to share how my experiences defined my cornerstones.
It is my prayer that you will not be an experiential learner like me. Instead, you will employ these cornerstones in your life and avoid the pitfalls.
Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
