“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
I had a conversation recently about regrets—it is an ongoing conversation in this circumstance. I persist in the idea that our past is what it is and any thought of changing it is futile. Good or bad, disappointing or blessed, it has brought us to where we are today. Personally, if given the opportunity, I would not change a thing. I am who I am and have what (and who) I have for all that has happened in my past. I am—for all of it—grateful.
Why should I worry about tomorrow? First, there is no guarantee that I will even have a tomorrow. Second, I can only affect tomorrow with what I do today—in this moment. Carpe momento.
A former student posed a question: “Knowing what you know now would you still go straight to college out of high school?” Seems rather benign. Of course, there are things I might have done different. Specific to the question, I could have saved money by delaying my freshman year, moving in with one of my older sisters, and establishing in-state residency (and, thus, in-state tuition). I could have saved for college—and save a significant amount of college debt. Were it today? I would do this in a heartbeat (and I would suggest anyone preparing for college consider such things). I could also have gone to the University of Chicago and played football. The recruiter suggested I could get a degree in geology and that it wouldn’t be much to continue after to get my degree in mine engineering. I was intent, though, on getting my degree in mine engineering in 4 years at WVU. Of course, I finished with a degree in geology! With all this in mind, though, I would not change a thing. Delaying college for a year would have affected the relationships and experiences that have shaped who I am today. I might not be an exercise physiologist had a classmate not suggested it to me in my Geology Field Camp Experience the summer before my senior year. My life would be significantly different had I gone to Chicago instead of Morgantown. No regrets.
I had a business that failed four years ago. I remarked, today, that it didn’t kill me—“That which does not kill me makes me stronger” (Nietzsche). Indeed, had it, it would have been financially better for my family (I have life insurance), but it would have been significantly different for my wife, children, and an indeterminable number of people. Having gone through that experience has made me stronger. I am a better person. I am a better teacher (experience can bring so much to a class that is not in the textbooks). I formed lasting relationships that I value greatly.
Today? Today is all I have the power to affect. More specifically, I have the power to affect the moment I am in right now. What I do now will affect tomorrow. How? This should not be of great concern.
Today? All I can do is my best. I trust that my best today will make me better tomorrow.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is dependent upon today.
Carpe momento!