Looking back, Good News Wants to Know… what decision or opportunity did you have in the past that you passed on at the time, but in hindsight, you now would take advantage of it or choose differently?

My regret is that when I was the Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer for the Florida Department of Education, I did not obtain a Doctorate Degree while in Tallahassee.  

Ray Monteleone, President, Paladin Global Partners

I’ve made a lot of decisions over these many years. Some very good. Some bad. I can honestly say that there isn’t one opportunity that I’ve passed on that if I could, I would go back to change and take advantage of. The consequences of the bad decisions, although painful, have been learning experiences.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

My brother and I negotiated a 2-for-1 corrective eye surgery deal. Pretty sure we saved $25. We realized later whatever deal we brokered didn’t include pain medication during the procedure. It was the worst 25 bucks we ever saved.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

When my parents separated, I became very bitter. What would I change? I would have forgiven sooner. The longer I held that unforgiveness the more it bound me up inside. Forgive Quickly! 

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

The easy answer here would be to not have put myself and my family forward as a public servant, but I have a more interesting answer. I had an opportunity to start my own business back in 2001. I decided to go to work for someone else, taking the risk. Looking back, maybe I should have started my own business then rather than waiting until 2006 when I did. Either way, life has a way of showing you the way.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 💯

My good friend and college roommate was a missionary in Italy for years, and I was invited to go visit many times and I never did. Looking back, I should have gone to visit. Oh, well.

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

There aren’t any opportunities that I passed on that I have any lingering regrets about. However, as a business leader, I wish I had had access to a resource like Lifework Leadership early in my career. It’s such a powerful experience, shared with peers, learning how to integrate faith and work, find purpose in your work, and realize that your work is your ministry. It lifts a burden that many Christian businesspeople carry, feeling like they aren’t fully serving God unless they receive a paycheck from a ministry. I pray that every leader in South Florida takes advantage of Lifework Leadership.

Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers

As I was completing an undergraduate degree at Miami University, in Ohio, I received an invitation to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship. It’s a two-year grant to attend the University of Oxford for the purpose of promoting unity among English speaking nations. I wish I had realized what a wonderful opportunity it would have been, had I been selected, which wasn’t likely since only .7% of applicants are. I was tired of studying at that point in my life. I didn’t pursue it and headed off to travel instead.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

I once passed up a very good opportunity by resigning too late from my then-held position due to loyalty and “hoping things would change.” I truly wish I had resigned earlier, but God provided some awesome, subsequent opportunities for which I am most grateful.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

Most of the opportunities I have missed out on are financial deals – a property that was offered personally or to the business, Amazon stock or other similar investment opportunities.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air, and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission

I had a chance, years and years ago, to begin investing financially in our future retirement years but chose to wait. After all, at 35 years of age who ever thinks they’ll turn 65 one day? Not me. I thank the Lord that I finally came to my senses with enough time that, today, we’re retired and blessed. Philippians 4:19

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

I should have married my wife 3 years prior… It’s complicated.

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing

It’s natural to see things more clearly in hindsight. A personal decision I made at a very young age came with a heavy price. But it also taught me lessons I would not have learned otherwise. With that came grace, forgiveness, love and salvation. So, for that I am forever grateful.

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

A few years ago, I was approached to speak at the pulpit, and at the time, I was convinced I was not called to do so. Now, I realize that fear of not being worthy led to those thoughts undermining my confidence, and the words spoken over me by others affirmed my fear. I’ve since learned that God equips, not man, and if given the opportunity again, I will seize it for His glory. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, President, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation

If I could do it over again, I would go ahead and complete the paperwork to receive the Bright Futures Scholarship I was qualified for (free in-state college ride) even though I was going to an out-of-state college. I would have gone on to pursue further education or earn another degree if I hadn’t needed to pay for it… and I’d have bought Bitcoin when it was $10.

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

After graduating from seminary, the invitation to teach a seminary course was presented to me. Despite my excitement, I declined. My full-time job made it seem impossible to add a weekly teaching commitment to my schedule. So, when the opportunity to pastor a church and teach twice a week arose, it felt like an insurmountable challenge. But in that moment, I realized my circumstances hadn’t changed—I was still balancing the demands of being a Deputy Sheriff with the call to minister—but my perspective shifted. Instead of relying solely on my own strength and abilities, I began to trust in God’s plan and provision. What initially seemed beyond my capacity became a testament to God’s faithfulness. He took my reluctance and turned it into a platform for His work, stretching me beyond what I thought possible. 

Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach

In hindsight, I can’t recollect any regrets or missed opportunities that I’ve had. I believe the Lord worked everything out for His glory!

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

Joining a group for a bear-hunting trip to Russia—my husband wouldn’t let me go!

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to go to Paris with my class but did not go. Here I am many, many years later and still have not traveled to Paris and regret that I did not go when I had the opportunity.

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

The question really falls into the category of the “road not taken.” I don’t feel like I have missed any opportunities, but more that some of the opportunities I did take were done so hastily. There are a handful of financial decisions that I made over the years that I just shake my head about now and wish I could get a do over. But through it all the Lord has been, and continues to be, good to me. As the song goes “regrets, I have a few, but then again, too few to mention…”

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

My freshman year at college I decided to not play basketball for my university. I was in the school of engineering and feeling overwhelmed with my workload. Looking back, I should have sucked it up and stayed on the team.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters 

I have no regrets. I would not change any choices. I know there is a saying ‘if I knew then what I know now’ but, I believe every decision and path chosen is what shapes who we are and the lessons we were meant to learn from those choices. It makes us who we are today! 

Nancy Robin, Habitat for Humanity of Broward

I had an opportunity to go to Israel but thorough a variety of circumstances chose not to. And now with the heated climate in Israel, I believe it will be a while before I would be able to go. But if the opportunity came around again and things in Israel were travel friendly, I would very much like to go and see the sights of the Bible.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

I have tried hard to think back to any decisions or choices I had that I would have changed if I could. I was offered a scholarship to study at Eastman School of Music after high school, but I turned it down. I think that perhaps my children and grandchildren would have benefitted if I had decided to accept. On the other hand, I might not have met my husband, had the wonderful blessings of my two children, and so many other things that I am so grateful for.

Patricia Colangelo, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

 

Looking back over my life, a fun thought I reflect on often is that 43 years ago I met my wife Faye on Fort Lauderdale Beach. We became friends, (and then life took its course for 43 years) and we did not become husband and wife until two years ago… (We went back to the exact same spot where we met and said “I do”). We know God‘s timing is best, and His ways are perfect… in those 43 years God was preparing us both to be who we are today “for such a time as this”!!

Thank you Jesus for “working all things together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose”

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS of Florida P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

 

The only opportunity I can think of that I wished I would have taken advantage of was one my mother-in-law suggested about an individual from her hometown that was moving to Fort Lauderdale. She suggested I meet him when I was visiting, and I never got around to it. It turns out that if I had met him before he got to Fort Lauderdale, I might have established a new friendship and a good client!

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

 

The biggest decision in the past that I passed on at the time, but in hindsight, would have chosen differently is giving my life to Christ at an early age. I have had moments where my brother gave me a Bible, or my Christian friend invited me to hang out with him instead of going to place I should not have been and both times I passed and continued to live a life of sin. Until 2005, on an Easter stadium service at Calvary Chapel, where I finally gave my life to Christ. I know God’s timing is perfect, but sometimes I think of the years that I missed out on truly living if I would have accepted Jesus at a young age. Thank God for mercy and grace. 

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

 

That’s a tough question. I truly believe I am doing what God called me to do at CBMC…Connecting business people in the Marketplace to God and to each other!!! Back in the day I decided not to go to graduate school at Ohio University for Sports Administration. It was so that I didn’t break up with my girlfriend who I eventually married. The marriage didn’t work out, and I ended up in South Florida migrating from the NYC area. But I still wonder…what that would have been like working in an area I really love since I was a kid!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

 

I have always loved to dance. When I was in high school, I used to dream of being on the drill team. I did try out for cheerleading, but it required too much discipline. Sadly, I didn’t have the desire to spend so much time practicing, so I dropped out. I made the cheerleading squad that rooted for the high school wrestling team. But I exited that opportunity, too. If I had it to do over, I’d finish what I started. I am thankful that God has opened doors for me to do what I love. I was a dancer for Expressions of Joy, and I am a cardio/weight instructor at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

 

In my freshman year of college at Kent State University, I walked on to the football team. Sadly, after a couple games, I was frustrated that I was just sitting on the bench and quit the team. If I had the chance to do it over again, I would have stayed with it. Even if I wasn’t playing, there would have been great opportunities to learn and grow. I now have a “Never Give Up” mindset that has helped me in everything that I do, especially when it comes to providing Hope, Homes and Healing for kids and their families. 

PS – That team went on to win the Mid-American Championship. Two of the many great players on the team were NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert and the coach with the most National Championships in NCAA history, Nick Saban. 

Tom Lukasik, Vice President – Engagement, 4KIDS

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/strangest-or-most-exotic-thing-eaten/