Would’ve, Could’ve and Should’ve

“Timely advice is as lovely as gold apples in a silver basket.” (Proverbs 25:11)

 No, I am not Jonathan with Colonial Penn Life Insurance! In fact, I want to say that these words – would’ve, could’ve, should’ve - are some of the most gut-wrenching, guilt-producing words in our vocabulary. Every time I hear them or use them it has to do with something that did not get completed and has caused a problem for someone. Now enters guilt and shame; then follows their tag-alongs— embarrassment, anxiety and frustration.

While these things seem small, they tend to trip me up and hold me hostage. My sister, Barb, and her husband, Jerry, came for a visit. I was so excited to see them and talk, that I never even gave them a tour of the house. I should’ve been more thoughtful.

See how subtly this peace thief intrudes! That is just a sample of me telling me. It gets worse when someone else uses those words on me. I bristle up like an old porcupine. It’s not that I always have to be right because there are times when I run my train far off the track and into the woods. I already know what I have done and what I need to do so why do others think they need to remind me?

Somehow, I just cannot picture our loving Father saying, “You should’ve done it like this…” or, “If you would’ve listened in the first place, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.” He is all about love, grace, forgiveness and mercy. Yes, sometimes there is a price to pay (consequences) for our decisions, but still, He never rubs our noses in it. Only people do that!

If we could be a little more like Jesus, perhaps we might never hear those ugly words again. There has to be a better way to say, “I goofed!” or “What were you thinking?”

These words are always used after the fact. What would happen if we asked our Heavenly Father what we ought to do before taking matters into our own hands? I tend to think it will make a difference. It’s a little too late when the train has plowed its way into the deep forest where no track exists.

However, there is a master mechanic that is on-call 24/7 and He is about the business of getting us back on track at no charge. 

Less Like Me with Zach Williams

Father, thank You for not using those words with me. Teach me to come to You for answers before I go off to do my own thing. Thank You for being there when I make a wrong turn. AMEN.