Rest assured this is not a Latin lesson. In the early 1980s there was a band called, “Mr. Mister.” Like many bands of that era, they hung around for a few years and then were gone. There is one song I still play on a consistent basis to remind myself about the direction of my life — “Kyrie Eleison.”

Kyrie Eleison is Latin in its root meaning. It means, “Lord have mercy.” During the song there is a great phrase that makes me reflect every time I hear it. As I said, I play it on purpose to remind myself of the question in the song.

“When I was young I thought of growing old
Of what my life would mean to me
Would I have followed down my chosen road
Or only wished what I could be?”

Most of us, when we were young, looked forward into our future and thought about the meaning our lives would have. Sad to say, many people only “thought” about where they saw their lives going, but it stopped there.

No one wants to look back on their life with regret. If you feel like you are heading down the road and may only end up with a life full of coulda, shoulda, woulda’s, here are few questions to ask yourself.

Have you taken the time to think about what you want your life to mean? Take the time to dream. Don’t let discouragement or delay stop you from dreaming about what you want your life to be.

Are you following down your chosen road? It is important to get advice and counsel from good friends and family. However, don’t let that alone determine your direction. God has given each of unique talents, personalities and passions. You have a God-given destiny and a chosen road.

Are you only wishing about what your life could be? There is a difference between a goal and a wish. A wish is a “maybe someday” thought, a fantasy. A goal requires a timeline and action. Take the time to plan steps to achieve your goal and then take action.

Don’t forget the most important thing to ask according to Mr. Mister and the chorus of the song – “Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) down the road I must travel.” We can all use His mercy down the road we are traveling.