A very common regret people have before death is in relation to what they did not do in their lives, for instance, the regret of working too much and not dedicating enough time to their family and friends.
Such moments, however, can also awaken feelings of gratitude—for one’s spouse, children and friends surrounding them in their last moments.
Indeed, why do people think of what is more important in life in their life’s closing moments?
It is because they are making their final calculation in life, and they see their inability to do any more good. They thus feel regretful. Then they think that they should simply forgive everyone and ask everyone for forgiveness, and conclude by asking the Creator for forgiveness due to their inability to correctly connect with Him.
While many people awaken with such thoughts in their life’s closing moments, we should exercise these thoughts throughout our lives, from the moment we gain some self-awareness. The end of this line of inquiry should awaken in us the question: “Do we find favor in the upper force?”
And how would we know whether or not we find favor in the upper force?
We would not know. But by asking ourselves time and again, we correct ourselves bit by bit.
Moreover, we should be grateful as much as possible to the Creator for everything we have endured. Gratitude is important because we do not truly know what is good or bad, and so we need to bless the bad as well as the good while trying to be good.
Based on the video “Why Do So Many People Feel Regretful Just Before Death?” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman and Oren Levi. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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