It has been said that regret is insight that comes a day too late. I've wanted to hit rewind on my share of blunders but since humanity has not yet unlocked the ability to change the past I'll look for a more realistic option. You can find all kinds of advice about regrets from philosophers, actors, politicians, etc. They range from embracing them and meditating on them till you learn to acquire a taste for them (Thoreau), to that guy who jumped off the bridge on the Simpsons screaming in defiance, "I regret nothing!"
Thankfully, we can turn to the Bible for some sanity. It includes a wonderful truth tucked away in the little book of Lamentations.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV)The answer to regrets cannot be to deny we've done wrong things, nor can it be to dwell on them indefinitely. The answer must be to allow our failings to keep us humble while remembering the steadfast love of the Lord. There is a freshness to each day, new opportunities to do good and to avoid evil. We cannot erase the past, but we must learn to leave our mistakes where they belong--in the past.
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