We are born into this world without our consent, yet we were known before we were conceived and thus were given what we couldn’t possibly choose for ourselves…..life. Throughout our lives, we are given many more things without our consent or our choosing. These include both good and bad things. We tend to ignore or take for granted the good that is given to us, while we always give attention to the bad or what we think is bad. I do this, I think we all do this to one degree or another. These are mostly things we have no control over, even though we think we do. We really only have a choice in how we react or accept the things that come our way. Whether we choose to live or choose to shutdown. And I am not talking extremes here, such as suicide, I am talking about how we live our daily lives. We can be walking, talking, breathing and living the good life, but be dead. On the other hand, we can be in great physical, mental or spiritual pain and yet be fully alive. I am convinced we can be fully alive in both realms, good and bad, but only by choosing life at all times. And I really can say, I feel it is easier to choose life when things seem really bad. When I am forced to look at things from the simple choice of living or dying. Although the bad can be quite difficult, truly painful and seemingly hopeless at times, the choice to live in these circumstances produces a hope that is exponentially greater in the opposite direction. It seems when things are seemingly good, that the path to dying is more subtle and sometimes not known until devastation has reared its ugly head. And when this happens, make no mistake, it will bring great pain at some point, but pain that possibly could have been averted. The result can be the same, if the choice is to live, but I believe life can come without adding unnecessary pain. Pain in this world is a given, so I do not want to add to it.
Life is such a gift and we are here but for a short time. i believe we can taste the goodness and love of our creator’s intention for us if we choose to live each and every day that we are here. To live each and every moment by loving as he first loved us. Before we were ever known, he knew us and loved us. We are God’s special miracle to himself and to the world. We can breathe life and change the path of another by bringing hope in the midst of extreme darkness. We can truly be world changers. Choosing life seems impossible at times and surely is not easy, but it is attainable. I’ve tasted life in the midst of great pain and I’ve tasted life in the midst of great beauty. I want life, I want freedom. Today, I am praying for the ability to choose life in all circumstances, situations and relationships.
Blessings,
Doug