“You can't go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
―C.S. Lewis
Choices.
Day by day we make them.
One by one they make us.
Some of Ian and Mia’s favorite books to read these days are What Should Danny Do? and What Should Darla Do?. These books are all about the power to choose and they present different storylines and choices that kids face daily. They are so fun and interactive and the best part is when they realize that their choices for Danny and Darla shape their days into what they become. And in turn, their choices for themselves will shape their days, and ultimately their lives, into what they will be. I highly recommend them!
I think I am extra fond of these books because I have been keenly aware of the power to choose since I was a little girl. Even more than that, how the fruit and consequences of choices affect others—even generationally. My very existence resulted from an unwise choice my mom and dad made as teenagers. So much of my childhood and upbringing was made up of choices others made.
I am the first daughter of teenage parents, from Puerto Rico who was relocated to Chicago at the age of 2, with my newly divorced 19-year-old mom who had not yet finished high school, and a baby sister, oh and without my dad.
Sometimes it felt like the cards were stacked against me and the path had already been chosen for me. Another stat waiting to happen.
But God.
He mercifully chose me and reminded me of the most powerful tool he has given us all—choice.
"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19
See there are times we come to a fork in the road with one way leading to life/ blessing and the other way leading to death/curse. We can easily explain away our choice of death by what came before us or what’s currently surrounding us: the trauma, what’s been modeled for us, other’s choices, culture etc. Or we can bravely even rebelliously choose the often harder and unpaved path of life and blessing.
Stuck in a toxic relationship? You can choose to walk away.
Drowning in mounting debt? You can choose to change your habits.
Tired of the weight of unforgiveness and bitterness? You can choose freedom.
In a place in life because of the choices of others? You can choose your next step.
None of these choices are easy or quick but they sure lead to life. As Darla and Danny remind my kiddos, we can choose and that my friends is a superpower. What a blessing! As the quote I shared above says:
Every choice we make affects our today and our tomorrow and those around us, even our children—and potentially our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.
Earlier this month was my sister’s wedding. In the words of my new brother-in-law, “A time was had”. As I sat and began reflecting and writing my matron of honor speech, I kept coming back to the same theme:
Choices.
Day by day we make them.
One by one they make us.
Here are a few words that I shared that night:
“Growing up, being the oldest I tried to be the best role model for you. There were and still are so many times I push through and think twice about choices I make knowing you are watching. And while I may be your big sister, there are countless times when I have looked up to you, inspired by your strength, courage, and unwavering determination to choose and create a better life for yourself and those around you.”
I love weddings, I love marriage, and on that day, I loved to see God’s faithfulness on full display, especially through the hard choices made by my sister. So many choices were made to make it to that day… to be who they are… where they are going… and maybe even most importantly what they are building.
These days I often find myself looking around at the life my husband and I have built (celebrating 10 years married next month) and can see the power of the choices made—thankfully for the most part with much gratitude. I also feel the weight of choices yet to be made because let’s be real, they won’t be right every time.
But every day I have the choice to choose:
His will over my will.
Life or death.
Fear or faith.
Obey or rebel.
Worry or trust.
Wait or rush.
Strive or rest.
Build up or tear down.
Increase or decrease.
Not just for me but for them. The stakes are high.
I will continue to strive to choose life for I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good.
Let’s choose our days wisely friends.
Do you spend way to much time at Target’s Dollar Spot? Oh just me? Well the next time you are there, be sure to pick up their new popsicle holders! Say goodbye to leaking popsicles all over your floors and their clothes this summer. Our favorite popsicles right now are the Outshine Strawberry, Lime & Wildberry Frozen Fruit Bars. Yum!
If like me by the end of the week, you have a few extra ripe bananas on your counter, don’t throw them away! Here is a recipe to make a batch of delicious homemade Banana muffins. Perfect for snack time!
I have been listening to this Delighting in Jesus playlist by my dear author Asheritah and it has been such a great way to keep my mind and thoughts focused on Jesus this week. Give it a listen and be refreshed!
Until next month friends!
Happy early anniversary!