This word was sent by an old friend I have known most of my adult life. Why I knew her momma --in fact I know her entire family. Good Folks!
You know when I say the word out loud, I hear sadness in its pronunciation. Some words seem to do just that--there sound relays the feelings held in their meaning. First thoughts ~ all those parents that have had a representative of the armed forces knock on their door to tell them, "We regret to inform you." Next thought, "Regrets" sent in response to an invitation. Perhaps the most poignant thought was the bricks in the road in my past labeled "Regret".
So of course I went to the definition for clarity ~
One thing which is immediately apparent is the fact that regret always comes from something in our past. The feeling of regret is present tense, but the action which caused our regret is in the past. I decided to look up synonyms and here is part of the list- anguish
- annoyance
- apology
- bitterness
- concern
- contrition
- disappointment
- discomfort
- dissatisfaction
- grief
- heartache
- heartbreak
- misgiving
- nostalgia
- qualm
- remorse
- repentance
- sorrow
- uneasiness
- worry
- affliction
- apologiesgiv
- care
- compunction
- conscience
- demur
Reading through this abbreviated list, I notice so many words which indicate great feelings of sorrow. We ALL certainly have regrets in our lives (some more than others). The challenge becomes living past our regrets---
So many synonyms for regret, Lulu! You make the perfect point though - our regrets may be present, but it concerns something in the past. May God help us to repent, to grieve and then move on with our lives into the future He has planned for us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
That was only half of the list, Martha! Yes, praying we can all learn from our past and apply it to today!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Regrets, I've had a few. But then again, too few too mention. (Sinatra)
ReplyDeleteNon, je ne regrette rien. (Edith Piaff)
The thing is, many people use their past regrets as a prop to feel sorry for themselves. As an excuse for their present. "I come from a broken family. I was never good at school. I was always ill when I was young" and so on.
We can learn from our regrets; but we should move on into the future. Never look back. You'll walk into a tree or lamp post.
God bless.
Your words of wisdom in the midst of good humor are appreciated, Victor!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!