Choices

Our lives are replete with decisions to make. With such a multitude of options available it can feel overwhelming to ponder and pick the one that is the best for ourselves, for others, or even just at the present time. It can appear that our choices govern our moments and control our existence. This, in the clear light of a Sovereign God, is simply not true.

Granted, when we talk to our kids about being wise and discerning, especially our teenage daughter, we exaggerate the potential outcomes of their decisions. Scare tactics, maybe, but at times it serves to get our point across. So we discuss the ramifications of what we do with our time, our relationships, our food intake, our media influence, our leisure activities, our money, ad nauseum. It's little wonder, Mom and Dad, that shoulders droop, bodies shift, and eyes roll! As if our lectures and drills will have the desired impact on children that God intended for us to raise "in the fear and admonition of the Lord." Not in compliance with our wishes? Not in understanding of our values? Not in adherence to our beliefs? No. Sorry. That's what God said. I'll tell you right now my maternal instinct is rearing its ugly bed-head and shrieking, "I'm the boss!" Yeah. Nice try. All that has ever gotten me is the well-earned control-freak status.

Oh God, You are sovereign. You are in control of my outcome and that of our children. My decisions, which I truly desire to be in alignment with Your will, do not determine the ultimate destiny of myself or my children. You instruct me to train up our children in the way they are to go and when they are old they won't depart from it. Along with teaching them how to make smart and respectable choices I pray that they would also learn from my example how to completely trust You in yielding myself and all that I am to Your Lordship. Oh help in in this I earnestly pray!

Glory