I'd pick more Daisies

I was recently at the funeral of a dear family friend. A wonderful woman of God who lived her life well. Her final years, in particular, were too full of pain and discomfort; but we have said 'goodbye' in the confidence that she has gone to a better place, to be with her Saviour.

This wonderful poem, by Nadine Stair, was read at her Thanksgiving service.

If I had my life to live over again,

I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.

I’d relax.

I’d limber up.

I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip.

I would take fewer things seriously.

I would take more chances,

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles

but fewer imaginary ones.

you see, I’m one of those people who was

sensible and sane,

hour after hour,

day after day.

Oh, I’ve had my moments.

If I had to do it over again,

I’d have more of them.

In fact, I’d try to have nothing else - 

just moments, one after another, 

instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I’ve been one of those persons who never

goes anywhere without a thermometer,

a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.

If I could do it again,

I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had to live my life over,

I would start barefoot earlier in the spring

and stay that way later in the fall.

I would go to more dances,

I would ride more merry-go-rounds,

I would pick more daisies.