I was sitting in an airport last week watching a young couple with a very small child. I remember traveling with my children when they were small. I look back, not with regret but with nostalgia.

I wish I would have cherished each moment much more — just stopped and let the scene form into a cherished memory, complete with the happy feelings that surrounded the occasion. Do you ever look back and wish you could do it all over again? — not just to fix your mistakes, but to relive the really good parts of your life? — the birth of a child, touching the soft skin of a newborn, their baptism, cheering at their first soccer game, getting soaked during family water fights, my son’s excitement as he got ready for his first hunting trip, and the list goes on and on. I don’t want to live life all over again. I just wish my memory was much more vivid.

In the airport, my attention turned to an elderly man, shuffling past me with a walker and an oxygen tank. He looked tired but determined. Traveling through airports is challenging for all people, at any age and in good physical shape. I took a moment to pray for this man and ask God to give him the strength to get to his gate and the joy of a reunion with family or friends. I also asked God to give me the patience and perseverance He has shown me in this man.

Of course, I have regrets as I look back at some of my life decisions. I think we all do. But I have sought forgiveness at the foot of the cross and His grace was poured down upon me. How can someone be given so much and not want to thank God?

I didn’t feel any older when I looked at the elderly man and I didn’t feel a yearning to be young again when I looked at the young couple with the newborn baby. What I felt was blessed. I am blessed to be right where I am, right now. God gave me life and my parents had me baptized into the Christian faith. I am thankful for my past — even for all the mistakes made and lessons learned that God has used to build my character. Now, He has brought me here to this time and this place, and given my life purpose. I am thankful for this moment.

I am blessed. So are you. Let’s reflect His light everywhere, even in the chaotic airports of our lives.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie