How many times a day do we hear that word, if? Or, how many times do we say it? Only two letters, but it has a lot of meaning behind it. I could have gotten that job if…If I hadn’t changed my plans, that could have been me in the wreck. Or, I’ll be there if the good Lord is willin’ and the creek don’t rise.
If can be used in many ways. It can be a crutch, an excuse, a hope, a semi-promise. Even though it’s one of the shortest words in our vocabularies, that word sure packs a lot of punch. A little game: check to see how often you hear if today, or how many times you say it yourself.
Now, I’ve got to get onto a writing assignment, if I can collect my thoughts into a couple of coherent paragraphs.
Sounds sort of like an excuse, doesn’t it? It is very much like yesterday’s blog post about wishing. If wishes were horses…
If all wrongs could be righted… if I could change minds… I could see better if I could find my glasses… I’d know why she smiled if I could hear what she’s saying…I’d be a millionaire if I had Wal-Mart stock...oh, my goodness, that could lead to one of the saddest phrases I’ve ever heard, “If only.”
If is such a big word, it should be used thoughtfully, judiciously, and only when needed. Now, if I can just remember to do that!
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