D'oh!

D'oh! The expression that captures what it means to regret what you said right after you said it!

Based on the Prodigal Son, I got to read Janelle's message before it went live. Here's the Big Idea as I see it:

"You can regret the mistakes you make but realize they taught you a lesson that you probably needed to learn."

The younger son in the story messed up big time!!! And he fully regretted what he did and went back to dad to do some major sucking up; begging for forgiveness. But, I can guarantee that he learned the most valuable lesson of his life. He needed his dad.

So tonight I am on the phone with a very old and dear friend who still likes me despite me being me. In the past I outright criticized this friend for a variety of reasons. Why did I criticize my friend? Duh, (which is not the same as d'oh) because I am obviously the expert on all subject matters (please note my tongue is squarely planted in my cheek).

Not with this friend, but at other times I am sure that my critical insights have had a degree of validity. Right? RIGHT? RIGHT! Unfortunately probably not with the frequency I would like to believe.

Do I regret what I said to my friend in the past? HECK YEAH!!! However, I did learn something I can take to the bank.

"Quite often the people I criticize turn out to be the best teachers on the subject matter I criticized them for in the first place!"

I thank God for all my friends who have tolerated my "well meaning" criticism and still choose to call me friend.Yeah, I still need them.