I went to visit my folks out in the country this past Sunday afternoon, just as I often do. While there, I took the opportunity to go visit my old bedroom. The furniture has changed in there since the days of my youth, but some things are still the same. The 1970s vintage wood paneling on the walls, still hiding the large, gaudy last minute wall drawings we kids did before the panels went up. The greasy fingerprints on the ceiling, left there by yours truly as a growing boy who could now jump and touch the top of the room. The small sign up above a door that still reads “Garbage Dump Closes At 6 pm”. These things bring back so many memories.

Often, I’ll bring a mandolin, dulcimer, banjo or such and pick a bit while I’m there. Today, I didn’t bring anything. I just wanted to enjoy the silence of thinking way back in time to early memories. What was it like back then, I would reflect, remembering as many details as I could of specific events from that old room.

Then I wondered; what if I could go back, armed with wisdom and experience that years have brought. What would I change?

I would start by being 10 years old again!

Knowing our need for God, I would go ask my parents to start taking me to church. I would read and study His Word and pray with purpose, understanding and faith.

Knowing how important education is for our future, I would figure out how to develop better character and persistence. I would work to develop good study skills.

Knowing that the banjo would occupy such a large place in my life, I would either ask my parents for one or start working and saving for one, and start playing it with all diligence. As time went on, I would also bring in all the other instruments that surround me these days.

Knowing how important being well-rounded is, I would take various kinds of music and voice lessons.

Knowing how essential communication is to everything we do, I would remain aware of the social aspects of everything that is going on, be it people-related or technical.

Knowing how our bodies decline with age, I would soon start martial arts and keep with it. I would eat healthier and keep optimism always close by.