AN ADAGE A DAY- ENCOURAGEMENT
Should've, Would've, Could've
By Carole Gilbert
We hear this phrase quite often and in different orders. Colonial Penn Life Insurance has a commercial that says, “should’ve, would’ve, could’ve.” Other orders of these words are said by other people and businesses. But whatever order you use, they mean the same. This phrase is basically telling us that you can’t change the past. So, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Or you may regret it.
To make my point:
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Should’ve- One of my biggest regrets from raising our kids was my lack of being flexible. When we went on a trip, I would plan where we were going and all we were going to do. And it didn’t matter what might get in our way or slow us down, we were going to complete the plans, no matter what. If I did hear different instructions about my plans from God, I didn’t listen. He was still with us though, and for this, I am grateful.
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Would’ve- If I had known then what I know now, I would’ve listened better. Many times, my family and I were frustrated or disappointed because we didn’t do something on our trips because it wasn’t in the plans. We had to keep to our agenda to have fun. That’s the way I planned it. I would’ve done differently if I had truly understood God was guiding us. But God was good. He was still with us, and for this, I am grateful.
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Could’ve- There were a few times I was flexible and allowed the plan to alter. One time, we were at South Padre Island, and the guys in our family were going golfing and fishing. My nine-year-old daughter and I decided we would take the guided day tour and shopping trip to Mexico. We had so much fun! And another time, on a ski trip, my daughter and I drove a few miles to Sante Fe, New Mexico, for lunch while the guys did their thing. What’s funny about all this is that when I look back, I remember those times more than I remember the ones I planned. I could’ve stuck to my plans but I'm glad I didn’t and now have these memories. God was good. He was with us. And for this, I am truly grateful.
This is December, the month we celebrate Jesus' birth. God didn’t have any should’ves with what He’s done. Besides, whatever we think God should’ve done, it’s not for us to pick and choose. And He definitely didn’t think, “I would’ve.” He has done and will do everything He plans and always with love for us in His heart. And unlike mine, His plans are perfect. For the thought, the excuse, of I could’ve, He didn’t have that either. God does everything He promises, when He decides it’s time, with no regrets, yesterday, today, and forever. He could’ve done things differently. But He didn’t. And most importantly, He sent His son, Jesus, to fulfill His perfect plan. God is so good. And He’s always with us. For all of this, I am completely and forever grateful.
2 Peter 2:21 says,
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For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness
than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
This verse tells us to not regret whatever we think we should’ve, would’ve, could’ve done differently this Christmas or any other day. And to not second guess ourselves. With Jesus truly in our hearts, the most important part of Christmas is already done. And I'm sure each of you have shown the beauty God put within you.
Remember.
God is good.
He is with us.
And for this, be grateful.