German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe has a unique version of Hell.
In Goethe’s words, “Hell begins the day God grants you the vision to see all that you could have done, should have done, and would have done, but did not do.”
Our wasted opportunities embody this interpretation.
Each new day presents itself with countless opportunities – to reach goals, to fulfill dreams, to discover our God-given potential.
In contrast, each new day allows us to remain slothful, to be indulgent, and to keep our lives status quo.
And, it’s easy to believe there will always be another day to accomplish our tasks, to forgive those who have injured us, and to reconcile with those estranged friends or family members.
However, we have no guarantee of time.
While we are healthy and alive, we need to constantly ask ourselves how we are choosing to spend our days. Are we doing all we can to reach our full potential, or are we merely just getting by?
At the end our lives, we will regret what we didn’t do and the things we missed out on doing.
A good steward should take a moment to reflect on wasted opportunities, and then make an effort to do all that you can do, should do, and would do if you had the chance.
