What a Difference a Word . . . or a Decision Makes, or Do You Ever Wonder . . .

 What if I had turned left on that street instead of right?  Maybe I would have walked into a riot (or a "peaceful protest"), and gotten shot or had someone jumping up and down on the roof of my car.  What if I had just sent that story idea to the publisher I found?  I might be making a good income from home, doing something I enjoy,  What if I had gone out with that guy with the big ears when he asked me for coffee?  I might have found the love of my life, and lived happily ever after.

I was talking with a girl last night-"late into the night" for me, a mother in her forties, but still early in the evening for her, a college girl in her twenties, about choices and outcomes. We were talking about-you guessed it-a boy, a boy I said "no" to, and how things worked out well-wonderfully, even-for both of us.  We are both married to the loves of our lives, and we both have precious families.  I wouldn't change a thing, and I'd bet my entire bookshelf plus my beloved green car, that he wouldn't, either.  So mind-boggling to think about, though, how different my life would be if I'd said, "yes."  For one thing, I wouldn't even have ever met the college girl with whom I was speaking.  She came into my life in a very circuitous way, through a specific circle of friends who wouldn't have been part of my life had I said "yes" instead of "no."

I wonder . . . if I'd chosen to drive to the store this morning instead of walking, would I have been in an accident?  Maybe I'd be in the hospital right now.  Maybe I'd be clinging to life instead of sitting in my room with my dog at my feet and a cool breeze coming in through the window.  We never, ever will know all the "what ifs . . . " in our lives, and I believe it is pointless to dwell on them.  I think it is a much better use of our time to see the blessings in our lives and be grateful for them, remembering that God is the giver of all gifts.