We also can’t changed who are biological parents are, who
raised us, where we were born and raised, the other members of our family, illness,
death of loved ones, and things that have happened to us whether by natural
disaster, accident, or poor choices on the part of others. None of us had a say
in whether we were born into a wealthy family or a poor one, a kind one or an
abusive one, a farm family or a city family. So much in our formative years has
been beyond our control.
Once we’ve accepted Christ there’s a whole new set of
parameters; a new heart, a new mind, a new identity, and one or more spiritual
gifts. I think all of these non-changeable things are part of the role that
we’ve been assigned in God’s Kingdom.
Then there’s the invitation. At any given moment in any
given day, we are faced with the choice to build up or tear down. We can choose
our own agenda or God’s. And what blessed relief when the two are the same! We
can choose relationship or isolation, mercy or revenge, blessing or curse, life
or death.
We get to choose what we will do with the unchangeable
components of our lives. Will we enter into God’s plan with thanksgiving and
praise or will we become bitter and selfish? Will we use our hurts to ease the
pain of others or will we wallow in them? Will we generously share our
abundance or hoard the blessings we’ve received? Will we choose money and
possessions over people? Education over relationship? Comfort over calling?
He has assigned us and invited us. I don’t always get it
right. I don’t want to be interrupted. I want quiet. I try to write or pray or
read and someone crashes through my peace and quiet with the audacity of a
question or a comment. My mother needs help opening a jar, my husband calls to
ask if we have plans for the next night. Life enters my solitude, my agenda. I
have a choice. Oh but that I would choose rightly more than I do or that when I
do, it would not be such a struggle to battle my annoyance into submission. Father, I long to be the joyful, grateful
woman You created me to be. I long to see others as you see them; Your precious
children, not an interruption.
We have a choice, moment by moment. How will I choose
when the next opportunity arises? How will you? What is your heart’s desire?
Psalm 139: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together
in my mother’s womb.
Joshua 24:15 …choose
this day whom you will serve…