Power of Choices

 

 

Power of Choices .jpg

Photo Credit: Mariah Cowell

 

 

You know those times when you feel like you’ve just passed another milestone?

This weekend, my youngest took her first road trip to visit my middle child at college. There was something different about the quiet Saturday morning. It wasn’t a quiet because no one had risen yet.

No, it was quiet because no one was home.

This quiet brought on reflect. My mother-in-love told me to embrace the days they were home; they would go fast. I had no idea.

I’ve been reading through the Bible this year using the One Year Chronological Bible and my reading on this quiet Saturday morning took me to Deuteronomy 31 .

God instructs Moses to share with His people the blessings that come from a life of obedience. Provision, prosperity and protection; all the direct result of His care. “…He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 32:10) NIV

Yet, not unlike us, when they experienced all of His blessings, His people “soon became fat and unruly…then abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deu. 32:15) (NLT)

“They made light of the Rock of their salvation…”

As I can see the finish line in raising my children, this morning I wish there was one teaching I had emphasized more:

the powerful correlation between obedience and blessings – disobedience and consequences. 

There is no such thing as fate; luck doesn’t exist. Never has; never will. So much of what we, and our children, experience has much to do with the choices we make each and every day.

Small choices.

Large choices.

Choices I had just made the day before. How I spoke to my mother when I called. How I treated my husband coming home from a weary trip. Getting involved, or not, in a dispute. Spending money shopping. TV I watched. Food I ate. Emailed I responded to.

All things I did yesterday. All decisions impacting my today.

Whether or not I realize the direct relationship between all my choices and my future doesn’t effect the impact; consequences ensue regardless.

While I still have time, I want to emphasis the power my children have; the power of choices. As I teach and with God’s help model, my prayer will be, that my children will boldly say, like Joshua:

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve theLord.” Joshua 24:15 (NIV) 

Take some time today, sharing with your child the power of her choices. Provide some examples in your own life when choosing God’s way led to blessings and when not choosing His path led negative consequences. As we are vulnerable with our children, may they be wise and learn from our experiences!

 

Lynn

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