It’s never too late

It’s never too late to be who you might have been.

-- GEORGE ELIOT

If you heard the words, “It’s never too late to ... ,” how would

you finish the phrase? I ask the question because in the last few

weeks, it seems I have heard or read many sentences that began with

those words, and it made me think.

It also led to some interesting conversations with friends, as

well as some prayers to God.

It started when I read an article that began with the following

sentence, “It’s never too late to make major life changes.”

Though the article was about a worthwhile organization that raises

support for foster children, there was no reference back to the

original quote. There was no further mention or explanation of the

major life changes the author referred to at the beginning.

I thought and prayed about what changes God might want for my

life, and I realized that though this isn’t a time for major changes

in my life, it is always appropriate to make positive changes in

actions and attitudes.

Soon after that, I heard a friend say jokingly, “It’s never too

late to have a happy childhood,” and I asked her what she meant.

She laughed and said, “Actually, I heard someone else say that,

and I liked the way it sounded, but I realize it could mean different

things to different people. For me, it doesn’t mean being childish

and irresponsible. It means becoming childlike and enjoying

discovering things about life and getting in touch with the kid

inside me.”

I told her that sounded good to me and that I had been loving time

with my granddaughter, watching how she looks at life with wonder and

how she seems to enjoy all her new discoveries. It’s also fun to take

time out of being an adult and to play on the floor with her. I think

it’s wonderful when we can find time to be more childlike.

We’ve all heard messages that stress how it’s never too late to

quit a bad habit, to start eating right or to start exercising. I

agree that we all need to do all that we can to be as healthy as

possible.

I also heard someone say, “It’s never too late to do the right

thing,” which is similar to another phrase, “It’s never too late to

right a wrong.”

I was with a group of friends and we came up with a several ideas

of what the right action often is for each of us. Here are some of

our thoughts: It’s never too late to apologize; it’s never too late

to say, “I love you;” it’s never too late to pray; and it’s never too

late to get right with God.

It’s a new day today, and we all have many hours left to do the

right thing before the sun sets. We can right a wrong, repair a

relationship with someone or deepen our relationship with God. After

all, it’s never too late.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.