What are people's biggest regrets in life? It's never about working more, it's always about family and friends. Here, I talk with three spirits who all share their biggest regrets.
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This is the story of Peter, James and John, and their dear friend Tom. They appeared to share this story about how they died, what it was like to find themselves in the world of spirits, and what they regretted about the life they had lived.
Three friends find themselves in the spirit world
Peter speaks for them all:
"We were all out skiing in the Alps. We were not inexperienced, although this was in the early days, long before the equipment is as nice as what you have today. We had left our wives and families for this trip.
One the third day, we got caught in a snowstorm. We weren't prepared for this degree of bad weather. It was much worse than what we expected or knew how to get through.
By morning, we had all died. We arrived here together. It was like waking up from a long nap. Where were we? Why weren't we cold any more? Who were all these people? We found some comfort in the fact that we were all here together.
James decided to head out and explore. That made me (Peter) a bit nervous. Eventually, we all decided to explore together and to stay together. However, that didn't last. You'll notice that we're not all here. James is still out exploring. But we'd had enough. It wasn't what we were interested in. We just wanted to see if we could find our way back home. We didn't realize that this was a permanent state." (Steve and Bill also talk about all there is to explore after death.)
Missionaries appear
"Eventually, we started to notice these flashes of light. They seemed to become more frequent. Then they went from being flashes to being more stationary. We eventually made out that these were people. They were just like us, but...not like us. They glowed! And they were so peaceful. I'd never seen anyone so peaceful in my entire life. Nothing bothered them. They were always glowing and calm. Just being near them was a treat."
Their biggest regrets in life
Tom interjects. "I missed my wife! I wanted to know how to see her again and how to be with her. They told me I had to wait and she had to decide to be with me. I didn't understand...we were married, and she had to decide again? What did that mean?"
Peter is nodding his head. "Yes. I want to be with my wife, too. And my kids. I fear that they will forget me. I wasn't the best father to them. There were just too many other responsibilities I had to attend to. I regret that now."
John steps forward from behind Peter and Tom. "I want to go back home. If I could do things differently, I would. I would spend more time with those I loved. I would cherish them better, be kinder, think of their needs more."
Tom speaks up again. "I would help my neighbors more. It's a hard life. None of us realized how much those around us needed our help. We were too caught up in our own struggles and needs. Selfish, really."
They all nod, and seem to be thinking about their life here on earth and what could have been.
"I wish..." Tom starts, then pauses shortly, sounding dejected and sad..."I wish I could do it all over. I wish I could start again. Now that I know...now that I know how much life matters, I would do it differently."
Make a new choice, today
Each day, we have the opportunity to choose. Where will will focus our efforts? How will we spend our time? Are we pursuing things that are of most worth, that have eternal value, or are we focused on temporary pleasures and distractions?
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)
For myself, I know that I find the most happiness and fulfillment as I spend time with my family, and doing things where I am using my gifts to serve and help others.
Our time here may sometimes feel like it's long, but really, it's very short. Especially compared to our eternal nature. I invite you to consider what Heavenly Father has for you to do while you're here that will give you happiness and help you express yourself.
Main image by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels
