Choice has so much to do with how we feel about the circumstances God puts into our lives.   I have met some of the most joyful believers in cancer wards, yet others who are overcome by depression, even when health, wealth, and family issues are comparatively good.    God gives us the opportunity to choose; to put our faith in Him in any and every circumstance.   But it is our choice. 

I will leave you with some inspiring words from Max Lucado (In the Grip of His Grace; page 50), as well as one of my own, a Teachable Moment, and a lasting Scripture on the  subject of choice.

I choose love…

No occasion justifies hatred, no injustice warrants bitterness.  I choose love.  Today I will love God and what God loves. 

I choose joy…

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.  I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.  

I choose peace…

I will live forgiven.  I will forgive so that I may live. 

I choose patience…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.   Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long.  I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist new assignments, I will face hem with joy and courage.

I will choose kindness…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid.  And most of all I will be kind to the unkind for such is how God has treated me.  

I choose to pray

(Kent McClain)

I choose to pray now that love joy, peace patience, and kindness now will dominate my life, every circumstance, both good or bad (Philippians 1:22-25).

Teachable Moment

After you have read these choice applications, have your children make up their own.  List them where the entire family can see them on a regular basis

Word of God

Philippians 1: 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.  25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.