Choices

Choices: Somewhere in my life, I have learned that I will have to make choices each day. Some are as simple as which pair of shoes I wear or whether I really need that third cup of coffee.
If I carried on in my Mother’s shoes, I would have a third and fourth cupful of the savory, warm substance to start my day.
Choices: if I had the proverbial nickel for every choice I have made, I would be far wealthier than I am now. Consequently, hindsight truly is 20/20, and I may not be wealthier. However, I am the wiser, and wisdom has its own rewards.
In hindsight, I can now differentiate between good and bad choices. While I am proud of the times I moved in the right direction, I cannot negate the moments I walked along the wrong path.
In a strange way, those rocky pathways taught me perseverance. Each decision has helped mold me into the person I am today. Looking back at the more difficult steps of my journey, I can see where the Lord made way for me.
During the more challenging moments, I can clearly see the hand of Heavenly Father guiding my path. I often felt like the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness because I made a wrong turn. Israel made many wrong turns on their journey to Canaan. However, when they trusted in the Lord and His truth, they discovered the benefits of following a straight path (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
My granddaughter has decided to follow God’s ways and was recently baptized in her church. Her faith walk is new and refreshing, even though she has had many bumps and bruises in her young life. She became a part of our family not through birth but through the choice of love. In a social media post, she explained that she always aspired to baptism. She wrote of the former years, how Sundays were for “hanging out” and finding ways to distract from the outside struggles of life. As she grew older and life began to stabilize, she knew there was so much more to discover in this world. Christianity was one of them. She is an amazing young woman, wise beyond her years.
The wisdom found in Proverbs 4:25-27 teaches us to be mindful of our choices. In doing so, we will keep our minds on what’s ahead and not get distracted by things that might pull us off course. When we focus on the path God has placed before us, we can be confident in our decisions moving forward. Being intentional with our actions and grounded in the Word of the Lord, we will find a steady and secure path. My granddaughter’s path has led her to the waters of baptism.
We all face decisions that can lead to difficult roads. However, the Lord never allows us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand. He will always provide a way leading to His kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are to forget the former things that caused us to stumble, realizing that the Lord makes a way through the wastelands of this world. Our past choices do not bind us. (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV).
Like my granddaughter, who has made the choice to follow God’s ways, we too can decide to walk with intention and purpose, knowing that His strength will carry us every step of the way, leading to His kingdom.
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. – Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV)

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.