How My Decisions Took Me Where I Did Not Want To Go
Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “How did I get HERE?” This phenomenon is associated with the mid-life reassessment (crisis) stage. When young(er), you made a choice. Then life becomes hectic and presto, 10 years later you are not where you thought you would be. Tangible example? The two of you married. Suddenly you have two children and another on the way. Both of you have taken your careers for granted as well as your relationships.
This scenario can happen with any choice in any arena of life. The lesson I did not learn early is that decisions will either take you toward your choice or away from your choice. Decisions do not dance around your goal. In the example above, pre-marital counseling would help determine family goal(s) and individual goals (that uphold the family) to provide “training-wheels” while adjusting to the new norm of life. It will not relieve the chaos of having children in the house, but it will help the family as a unit and as individuals make decisions to move in an expected direction.
Personally, I like to relate choices and decisions to the university course catalog. Degree programs equal your choices. Classes required are the decisions. If you choose to major in Accounting, you must pass the required classes listed in the catalog. If you declare Accounting as your major, then take art classes you will at the end of four years NOT receive an Accounting Degree. You may have an Art Degree—but that is not what you chose as your major.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
[In my first blog, I encouraged you to choose Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you have not made this choice yet, see the July 31 post. Do not miss this opportunity. We move forward under the assumption that you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior.]
Decision-making can be difficult—not as dry as the course catalog example. Some decisions require time so don’t be in a hurry. Ask for help, ask for counsel, pray. Consider each decision an opportunity to keep your biblical values as an honor to God.
Let’s start with the daily decision to follow Jesus. Please, I am not asking you to be perfect or to give up anything. Just know that some days choosing to follow Jesus is easy and some days you have to remind yourself that you are following Jesus—as an imperfect human being. Remember that you have already made the choice for eternity. Everyday is an opportunity to move closer to Jesus by building the relationship.
First steps
Read the Bible. Start in the New Testament. Don’t speed-read, maybe one chapter a day.
- Attend a church that teaches the Bible.
- Attend a prayer group in that church to learn to pray.
- Remember that your decisions can bring you closer or take you further from your walk with Jesus.
I Took A Walk Today
I took a walk today
Walking the usual way
Soon the path split
Which way should I go?
Then Jesus took my hand
And led me on a path only He knew
“Do you trust me? Will you remain faithful?”