I resolve not to steal. Instead, I will . . .

Another chance.

Think of a person, now deceased, whom you had loved more than anyone else in your life. 

Think of all the things you wish you could have done for her or said to him. All the times you could have been more patient. Been more attuned to that special person’s unspoken needs and wishes. More concerned with their happiness and how to bring it about. More aware of their sadness and how to ease it.

Now think of all the things you did right, but just not often enough. Immersed in this back-and-forth roller-coaster of love and regret, look around you. 

In our uncountable lifetimes, we have loved innumerable beings just as much. Missed them just as intensely. So many who we wished with our all heart we had done more for. 

Our current loved one is no longer with us but others are still here. The next time you have negative thoughts of the person you are with, remember your special one. What emerges is the pain of regret, of words and deeds unfinished. You wish you had done more. 

With the one in front of you, you still can.

I resolve not to kill. Instead, I will . . .