Daily devotion – Regrets!
Regret — it may well be one of the saddest words in the English language. The Collins Dictionary defines it as “to feel sorry or upset about; to express apology or distress; a feeling of repentance, guilt or sorrow.”
Often, regret comes after we’ve ignored something important, dismissed someone’s value, or taken a blessing for granted. But by then, it’s too late.
How often do we realise the value of something only after it’s gone? A small example: yesterday in Secret Harbour, we experienced another unexpected power outage, leaving many without hot water. Suddenly, something as simple as a warm shower became a longing — a reminder of how quickly comfort can disappear.
Yet, those regrets are small compared to the ones we carry in our hearts.
We regret words we can’t take back — parting words that were unkind.
We regret missed opportunities — when we felt prompted to pray for someone but didn’t.
We regret moments of neglect — when we were too busy or distracted, and now the children we once held close have grown up and moved away.
Time is one of God’s greatest gifts. That’s why Paul urges us in Ephesians 5:15–17:
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Redeeming the time — because once it passes, it can’t be retrieved.
Time can be either our greatest gift or our greatest loss. We can squander it — missing birthdays, ignoring loved ones, skipping those small but eternal moments. Or we can treasure it — turning each opportunity into a memory filled with love, grace, and Christ’s presence.
That final word spoken to a loved one about Jesus…
That simple hug offered in a difficult moment…
That prayer whispered while someone still had breath…
This week, God places before you a mountain of time.
Will you let it slip away and add to your regrets?
Or will you make it a treasure trove of moments — rich in love, full of grace, and lasting forever?