January 20, 2010
10 Comments

Still Learning to Have No Regrets

Posted by charliehalley | Tags: ,

“If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.” Mercedes Lackey

“A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams.” ancient proverb

Our current teaching focus on “No Regrets” is hitting very close to home as Mary Lou and I approach a new season in our lives. In fact, it explains a whole new direction we are taking. Let me explain.

My dad’s death in 2007 was not a surprise, even though it happened suddenly. At 91, he was dying one piece at a time as his body withered away daily. What did surprise me, however, was what I learned from his passing and the new perspective it gave me.

I do not believe my dad was a disciple of Jesus. He was a good man by the world’s standards, but I never saw any evidence that he placed his hope in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Born in 1916 and shaped by the Great Depression, my dad relied on himself and his strong willpower to succeed as the world defines it. Unfortunately, I am sure he had enormous regrets five minutes after his death.

Yes, he had been a benefit to hundreds if not thousands of patients with his medical expertise. Yes, he had helped many patients for free motivated by his own poor upbringing. Yes, he was a good and moral man in all his dealings. But because he did not rely upon and live for Jesus, I came to see clearly that his life had been wasted. I was overwhelmed by the realization.

Obviously, this perception triggered an exhaustive and exhausting assessment of my own life. Along the way, there were many conversations with Mary Lou and close friends. I also benefited from Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven, which carefully details the disciple’s final destination and the benefits of living for eternity rather than today. Combined with the May ’10 graduation of our youngest from college, Mary Lou and I are jumping off the high diving board. We don’t want to have any regrets at the end of our earthly lives.

In June, Mary Lou and I are leaving Covenant and Greenville to respond to God’s calling to accelerate our faith. We will be attending a 10-month, character-building discipleship school at Antioch Community Church in Texas. It will be an intense year of learning that will prepare us for a new season of kingdom ministry. What comes after we complete this sabbatical is unclear to us. What is clear is that the One we trust and follow knows exactly what is best.

Mary Lou and I are both very grateful for your partnership in following Jesus and have grown immensely from our time with you in “G-Vegas”. We never imagined that we would serve a church in Greenville, and now, we can’t imagine having not been a part of Covenant’s journey.

Intentionally Living with No Regrets,

Charlie

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10 Comments to “Still Learning to Have No Regrets”

  • January 20, 2010 at 4:02 pm
    Bruce Bratton says:

    May God bless you on your journey. You will be missed by many, but we understand your calling !!!

    Reply
    • January 23, 2010 at 1:23 pm
      Chalie says:

      Thanks Bruce….Jesus does not like us to become comfortable!

      Reply
  • January 20, 2010 at 5:50 pm
    Barbara Blount says:

    How fortunate and blessed you are to have had this realization now rather than later. I am blessed to have known you and Mary Lou and to have learned from you Charlie. It is affirming to see how you have listened when the Lord called and are following HIs lead. God bless.

    Reply
    • January 23, 2010 at 1:25 pm
      Charlie says:

      Thanks Barbara…..Mary Lou and I have been blessed by being in and around Covenant and look forward to hearing how it continues to serve Jesus faithfully and intentionally

      Reply
  • January 20, 2010 at 6:12 pm
    Jenny C says:

    I am so exicted for you both! Cannot wait to hear about the next step in your journey….sad that your path is leading you guys away from Covenant because you and Mary Lou are awesome but I know that God's calling on your lives is leading you to do great and marvelous things! Love you guys!!! Blessings to you both as you intentionally follow Jesus…

    Reply
    • January 23, 2010 at 1:27 pm
      Charlie says:

      Jenny, we are grateful to so many at Covenant…..we look forward to sharing what we learn on this new adventure……Thanks for those kind words

      Reply
  • January 20, 2010 at 6:33 pm
    Kelly Smith says:

    Wow! Thank you both for being such a Blessing to us. You will be missed deeply. Many more Blessings to you both!

    Reply
    • January 23, 2010 at 1:29 pm
      Charlie says:

      Thanks Kelly…..I'm sure God will guide us just as He brought us here to Greenville

      Reply
  • January 20, 2010 at 7:26 pm
    Connie Landen says:

    Charlie and Mary Lou, you have been such a vital part of our church family and we will miss you. Your hand prints are certainly all over and you will not be forgotten. You are examples of those who live it and don't just talk it……..your next steps of faith indicate that, so we wish you well.

    Reply
    • January 23, 2010 at 1:32 pm
      Charlie says:

      Thanks Connie…..Mary Lou and I have benefited so much from the support of so many while we have been at Covenant. And we are confident that Jesus will continue a good work in the church as you and the other leaders remain faithful….it will be exciting to see where He leads!

      Reply

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