I find myself thinking a lot about choices in this season of uncertainty. The decisions that I am consciously and unconsciously making. Several years ago, I resolved to live life with no regrets. I believe this came in the wake of my Dad being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and knowing that I would be entirely responsible for all of his affairs for the rest of his life. During this season, I am making choices about my life but also my Dad’s life. We live in a time where the choices and decisions are never-ending.
What life choices have I made?
- Live life with no regrets
- Make choices without fear
- Take responsibility for my actions
- Welcoming the Holy Spirit to counsel, convict, and correct me
Living life without regrets means that sometimes I have to put on my Big girl pants when I don’t want to. It means I may have to visit, research health care options, visit and interview assisted living facilities, pay bills, take him to the doctor, and research medications and treatment options. But it also means that at the end of the day, I can put my head on the pillow and rest, because I did the hard things. I desire to stand before the Lord and Hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Please don’t think I have this all together and that I do all of this all of the time with the right attitude because I don’t. There are days that I want to get in the bed and cover my head and not come out for days. But, I do continue to push forward. My Dad is counting on me (although, I don’t think he knows it) to provide for his needs.
Making choices without fear means that I need to test those choices against the word of The Lord. Scripture can be evident in some subjects and not on others. For example, there is not a verse that I can find that tells me to wear a mask or not to wear a mask. I feel like both sides of this issue can find a supporting verse. This issue, like many others that are controversial, requires conviction by the Holy Spirit. You may not understand my stance on a subject, but you are not on my Journey with the Lord and vice versa. I may not understand your position, but I am not on your Journey with the Lord. What I do know is that I am responsible for my actions and will need to face the consequences of those actions as will each person.
Taking Responsibility for my actions
What does taking responsibility for my actions look like? It may mean apologizing for a careless word, or admitting I was wrong. There are many many ways that we need to accept responsibility, but we have to be receptive to the thought that we may have messed up and be open to correction. Jesus is talking to the disciples in John 16:13-15:
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.
I fail and mess up every day. I ask for forgiveness for my thoughts and actions daily. The most excellent news of all is that I have counsel, conviction, and correction from The Spirit of Truth. All I have to do is ask!
Dear Lord, you know my heart and my desire to please you in all of my life choices. Help me to make choices to live a life with no regrets, a life without fear and where I take responsibility for my actions. Counsel, convict and correct me where I fall short. In Jesus name, Amen.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 16:13–15). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
