This is a repost from my old blog

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I had an amazing professor while I was in Seminary named Dr. Harry Piland.  Harry is one of the godliest and authentic people I’ve ever known.  While in Seminary, I took every opportunity to spend time with him.  I’d show up early for class and hand out afterwords just to absorb all I could from him.  My wife and I even took Harry and his wife Pat to dinner on a few occasions.  I cherished every moment with Harry.

Both Harry and Pat have passed away now, but I remember one day in class he stood up and read a list to us.  It wasn’t a bucket list (the things he wanted to do before kicking the bucket) rather it was a list of the things he would do differently if he could start life all over again.  You might call it a “Do-Over List”.  Yesterday, a friend named Alan Pace at People’s Church in Franklin, Tennessee reminded me of this list.  Apparently Harry had shared the same list with the staff at People’s church.  Today I’m sharing the list with you.

Harry Piland:  If I had it to do over again:

1. I would spend more time with great men and women of God.
2. I would spend more time with the Lord in prayer and Bible Study.
3. I would spend more time with my family, take a regular day off and take my vacation.
4. I would put people ahead of process and program.
5. I would make love my guideline in building relationships. The greatest force in the world is love. When you meet someone, you build either a bridge or a wall.
6. I would learn the lesson of the towel and use it as a leader.
7. I would seek to maintain personal integrity no matter what!
8. I would lift up evangelism as the priority of the church.
9. I would absolutely build teams.
10. I would take care of my body, mind & soul.
11. I would never give up!
12. I would trust the Father.

There’s great news:  until we cross through death’s door we have the chance to change…we have the chance to do some things over again. So may we all apply the wise words of this godly man.

I love and miss you greatly, Harry. Because of your influence and the influence of other men and women like you I’m trying to live in such a way that I have few regrets. Thank you for the investment you made in me. I’ll see you later and it will be awesome to catch up!