Today I edited some video clips into a two-minute movie to show our church members how to install our online church directory on their phones. Our administrative assistant, Melissa, and I had recorded about six parts that had to be pieced together to produce a coherent message.
She did a great job explaining, but at one point we had to switch from my son’s phone to another friend’s phone because he didn’t have space available for the app. The first part of one clip was good, but there was a little goof toward the end. We stopped and started that part over. I clipped and moved and added titles to clarify a couple of steps.
I watched and tweaked it about ten times before I was satisfied that it would sound and look good on Sunday morning. Done!
Do you ever wish you could edit your life?
I sure do.
It would be nice to always have people see me at my best.
When I stumble over my words or say something hurtful, it would be awesome if I could move the marker back in time, cut out my blunder, and start over.
I could scrub broken ankles, bouts with depression, and car accidents from my timeline.
Hours and hours of time frittered away scrolling social media could be deleted and only the productive moments would remain.
We all know that’s not how life works. We’re stuck living out every second of the life we’ve been given—the good, the bad, the exciting, and the boring.
Living life unedited can inspire others. Not trying to hide our failures and setbacks can encourage people to keep going when they have similar experiences.
Let’s do our best and enjoy the life we’re living—in all its unedited glory.
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.” (Colossians 1:9–10 NIV)
Do you ever wish you could edit your life? How can focusing on God help you to do your best and live life unedited?
Wow, if I could edit my life, I don’t know how much would be left! I’d change everything starting with the university I went to, the degree I received, and the career in life I chose to pursue! That would change everything. The states I lived in, everything I’ve experienced as an adult, and nearly all the people I’ve ever known. There is so much pain I wish I could have avoided. However, I don’t know how a different life path would have turned out. So I’ll just learn from the past and make the best of my moments now.
Oh, Lora! I’m sorry you have so much pain in your past. Praying that God can use all of it for his glory as you go on to live the rest of your unedited life. Hugs! ~Robyn
Thank you, Robyn. The pain from the past doesn’t affect me now, but I wonder what my life would have been like if I chose another path. I’m sure everyone wonders that at times! But I’m focused on the present and future now, and God has been very good to me. 😊
What an interesting idea, Robyn. It’s tempting to want to edit out all the painful experiences, but then I wouldn’t know the sweetness and joy of God’s presence and grace. I’ve tasted and seen the goodness of God and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
That’s so true, Susan! God is with us through every experience and he can use it all to teach us and help others. Thanks for commenting! ~Robyn