Choices - 1 March 2010

Every day we make choices.  What clothes to wear, what to have for lunch, what we will do this evening.  We choose how we will behave, what we will say and how we will respond to those around us.

It wasn’t always so.  We had no say about when we would be born, or where, and for the first few years at least we were under the control of our parents, then teachers and almost anyone in authority who pretty much decided for us how we should conduct ourselves – and were not averse to punishing us if we did not comply.

Then we gained our freedom, we “came of age” and we could make our own choices regarding just about everything.  At first it’s wonderful to be master of ourselves, to be free to do and say whatever we choose, but gradually we realise that with such freedom comes a personal responsibility to those affected by our actions and words.  Instead of that freedom making life easier, it’s actually complicated things.

What we need is some very wise person to help and guide us through life, or simplify the choices we need to make.  Of course we don’t have to accept any advice if we don’t want to – after all we know best don’t we?  Don’t we?

For many years I thought I knew best.  While I would admit to accepting there was “somebody up there” it was clear that I knew what to do in any normal circumstance, even when I didn’t.  Finally it became clear that He wanted me “on the team” as it were.  I did point out that I was old, on the scrap heap, a nobody, a waste of time - but my arguments were to no avail.  He had made the choice for me, only the timing was mine.  Or was it?

If only I’d had the wisdom to seek out and listen to God all those years ago I might have saved myself a whole lot of anguish.  We must remember to ask God for his guidance regularly.  He knows what he wants for us and from us, and the boundless love he has for each of us is reflected in the joy he feels when we listen to him, follow his guidance and, for once, get things right.

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”  Psalm 138:8

Lord, guide me through each day and help me make the right choices in all I do and say today, that those I meet may be touched by your great love.  Amen.