My dad died over seven years ago. I still miss him.

In the summer of 2004, he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. In March of 2005, he passed away.

He was in the hospital for a couple days before he died. His doctor’s had made it clear he only had a few days left, so he knew he’d never be leaving that hospital room.

He was weak and uncomfortable, but able to talk with us, which only made the whole experience that much more surreal. My dad, who’d always been there for me, who’d always supported me, was about to be gone from my life.

On the day before he died, he was sitting on the bed. It was more comfortable for him than lying down. He and I were talking and I said, “Dad, if you could live one moment from your life over again, what would it be?”

How would you answer that question?

Whether you’re 19 or 49 (like me) or 72 (like my dad at the time he died)…what moment would you live over?

Maybe this is a better question: Is there a decision you wish you’d made differently? More specifically, was there a point at which you felt God leading you in a direction, but you didn’t follow?

Depending on the opportunity or the choice you made, it may be too late now. We can’t go back and undo what’s been done, but it’s never too late to turn back to God and seek Him today. The Bible is full of men and women who made wrong choices, but who turned from going their own way and began walking in obedience to God.

The first step is always to completely surrender to Him. Romans 12:1-2 says…

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The only logical or reasonable response to all that God has done for us is to give ourselves to Him wholeheartedly. We offer ourselves to Him. We seek Him by reading His word and spending time with Him in prayer. As we do, we begin to think and act differently. We begin to desire what He desires for us and we walk according to His ways.

Maybe you’ve made some mistakes. Maybe some big ones. Join the club.

You can’t go back and undo them, but you can make a fresh start today. Don’t get to the end of your life and look back with regret. Today is the day to surrender. Today is the day to start over. God isn’t waiting to punish you for going your own way, He’s ready to welcome you back.

Maybe starting over will also involve an apology. Father’s Day is this weekend. Are you and your dad okay? Do you need to seek forgiveness? Or grant it?

Don’t wait. Now is the time.

By the way, if you’re wondering what my dad said when I asked him about the moment from his life he’d want to live over again, he answered, “The first time I kissed Sylvia.”

Sylvia is my step-mom. She and my dad were only married for five and a half years before he died, but they were a wonderful five years. He loved her very much and she loved him…and still misses him greatly.