About 2.5 million people die every year in the United States. With life expectancies well over 70 years there are a lot of people with grown children who take their last breath every year. There are entirely too many of them who die with regrets over what happened in the past. Moreover, their children are left longing for the loving relationships that they never had.
You seem to think that you don’t have a second chance. I’ve got good news for you. God loves giving second chances. There is one requirement, though. You must start with Him. Jesus Christ is waiting to wipe the slate clean (2 Corinthians 5:17). All you have to do is ask.
Have you accepted your second chance? Pray for the opportunity and the courage to be transparent before your children. Express your regrets to them and your desire to reconcile the relationship. Believe it or not, they probably have regrets similar to yours. Regardless of age, contentment is directly related to the parent-child relationship.
A word of caution though, don’t place all your hopes in their unconditional forgiveness. All you can do is ask for it, but there’s no guarantee that they will give it. But if you are genuine, and they see the Christ-induced difference in your life, they will likely accept you back.
Finally, a little bit of encouragement. Your desire for reconciliation is admirable, but don’t make it your goal simply to die a happy man or woman. Life is brief (Psalm 39:5). Lead your children to Christ and have a relationship with them for all eternity.
Taken from Adrian Rogers' weekly newspaper column. Used by permission. 2001, The Commercial Appeal.
