What Would You Have Done Differently?

19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 NIV

President Biden was recently asked regarding his 4 years as President of the USA, “Is there anything that you would have done differently?” He couldn’t think of anything.

As the end of 2024 comes to a close, how would you answer the question? The reality is that our lot in life is both the culmination of our decisions and the effects of things that happened to us. We are where we are. But God offers a gift to us.

King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he reflected on life as meaningless or vanity, a chasing after the wind. Why? He could not see on the other side of the door of eternity that begins at death. Both the wise and foolish end up at that door. The wealthy and the poor, the righteous and sinner all end at the same place, carrying the same stuff in their hands (nothing) at the doorstep of death. Judgment awaits all.

For the follower of Jesus…we will be remembered at that moment leading to eternal life with him. But this information had not yet been revealed to Solomon. You might want to take a quick read of the whole Book of Ecclesiastes. Scattered throughout the book, there are several nuggets of truth hidden in the hopelessness that Solomon saw.

So, what is this gift that God gives to us during our time on earth? The ability, the opportunity to enjoy our life, our lot in life and our toil (this is more than your vocation). You can be happy with where you are and still move forward.

To answer the question “would you do anything differently?” requires a good set of reflective thoughts. The more specific the questions, the better your understanding. For example are there some words spoken in haste that you would like to take back? Are their judgments about others proven wrong? Would you like to find or give forgiveness sooner?

I am offering you a tool at the end of the blog which should get you started with some good reflections.Take some time to go through the tool that I share at the bottom of this blog. Make a plan to do some things differently so that you can arrive at a happier place this time next year. 

The gift of God is gladness of heart. Gratitude is the soil this gladness of heart grows in. Its fruit is happiness with your lot and toil in life. I read in a Hobby Lobby blessing prayer…”Gratitude helps the heart tell a better story.”  

How can you tell a better story with all of your troubles? Everyone has trials, family issues, death of loved ones, health crisis, financial concerns, or career uncertainties. Thankfulness and gratitude reframe the storyline. It is not Pollyannaish. It’s finding a silver lining and following it all the way around the cloud. It’s letting words of gratitude flow over your tongue so that your ears become accustomed to its rhythm. It’s the eyes to see by faith that the other side of the mountain is worth the climb. Gratitude takes your eyes off of the weariness surrounding you and focuses your gaze heavenward.

For 2025, my prayer for you and myself is the last part of today’s verse – God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Because it is in the Bible, I believe it is obtainable. Because Jesus loves us, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

Let me know which goal you chose to work on this year.

Blessings Love y’all