Choices

We are faced with many, some insignificant, some that can determine the rest of our lives. Lot, in Genesis 13:11, was faced with a choice, and he chose the way that looked best at the time—green fields, level ground, a source of water for his flocks, and access to the city. But it ended in death and destruction. The psalmist in Psalms 119 chose “the way of truth”. And in Luke chapter 10, Mary of Bethany was commended for choosing the best part that could not be taken away.

In the fictional story below, see how a simple choice can set the tone for the rest of Sally’s life.

Sally was a pretty girl in high school. She was popular with other students and usually had good grades. She was ambitious and determined. Sally had her sights on becoming a dental assistant, and, if she could make it, she would like to be a pediatric dentist. She knew she would have to study hard in college, but she was up to the challenge.

In her senior year in high school she met Charlie. He was on the high school wrestling team and very popular. Sally was thrilled when Charlie asked her out to the movies. After the movie, Charlie suggested they spend the night together. Sally said….

…sure. It was the most exciting time she had ever had. She felt so alive, so loved. But that month she missed her period. When she told Charlie that she was pregnant he got mad at her. He called her a slut and said the baby was probably not his. Then he started rumors about her in high school. She was devastated. Charlie never talked to her again. At graduation she was barely showing, but by the time she started college in the fall her pregnancy was very obvious. She tried to concentrate on her studies but had to drop out when baby Josiah was born. College, and her dreams of being a dentist, would have to wait. Sally managed to land a job as a waitress and made enough to afford a small apartment and pay a babysitter when she worked, but it was always tight. Social assistance helped. Josiah was a cute baby. After two years of struggling along, she met Dave. Dave didn’t mind that she had a baby out of wedlock—he had had a few flings himself. They were married, and with Dave’s income as a truck driver they did much better. Dave was a good father to Josiah, and before long, Ann was born. The next few years passed without incident. Josiah and Ann were growing and played together well. But Dave started drinking more, and sometimes, after a long haul, he wouldn’t come home till the next morning. Sally discovered he was sleeping over with a girl he met in the bar. They argued about it. Then she discovered that wasn’t the only girl he had on the side. The divorce was nasty. She tried to make Dave pay child support, but he said Josiah wasn’t his so didn’t have to pay for him. Sally was back to picking up the odd job, and money was always in short supply. The two kids were now in school, but Sally barely had time for them. The three of them limped along, never having enough money. When Josiah reached high school, he made extra money mowing lawns. Ann was in fifth grade when Sally met Gary. He promised to help them out, so he moved in with them. He did help some with the finances, but when Sally became pregnant again, he left. She didn’t know where he went. Betty was born with no daddy to cuddle her. Now she was stuck. Three kiddos with three different daddies, no job, and no skills. Right out of high school Josiah joined the army. She was proud of him. He looked so handsome in his uniform. He reminded her of his father Charlie. Josiah tried to send her some money each month, but he didn’t have much either. When Ann was in twelfth grade she moved in with her father and his new wife. When Betty was a junior in high school, she got pregnant. Sally cared for her grandson so Betty could finish school. But after graduation Betty moved out with the baby. Sally was alone. Thinking back over the years Sally could see where she could have made better choices. Now, alone, she was left with little more than regrets.

…no! No way! Charlie called her a prude; said she was silly and no fun. He never asked her out again. Sally learned he had several other girls after her, then she lost sight of him. She wasn’t interested in his type anyway. After graduating from high school, Sally started college in the fall. It was hard work, harder than she had expected, but she worked hard and maintained a good GPA. In her senior year she met Phil, a business and economics major. They went out a few times, and he respected her desire to wait until marriage. Before long it was obvious that they were meant for each other. They were married right after graduation. Phil soon landed a job with an accounting and investment firm, and Sally got her dream job as a dental assistant. Together they made a decent income and enjoyed their first two years as a couple. After two years, Betty was born with bright blue eyes and cute dimples on her cheeks. She was followed the next year by her brother Daniel. Sally quit her job and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother. Two years later, baby Joshua was born—a surprise, but he soon won everyone’s heart with his mischievous smile. As the years passed and the children grew, they were able to take vacations to Europe. Phil was promoted in his job and his salary allowed them to enjoy a good life. By now they had paid off their house and were able to buy a second home for an investment. Sally and Phil enjoyed their church family. Sally often taught Sunday school and Phil managed the church accounts. They also helped sponsor a missions group to Poland, a country they had visited a few times on their vacations. When Joshua was in his senior year of high school, Sally went back to work. They didn’t need her income, but she enjoyed the work. Betty started college with no definite major, but it seemed the right thing to do. But after two years, she married and soon presented Phil and Sally with their first grandson. It wasn’t long before Daniel and Joshua were each married. Phil and Sally were now empty nesters and Phil was approaching retirement age. They were still in good health. They liked to travel but were most happy when the kids came home to visit with their growing families. Grandkids were wonderful. Sitting in the full living room that Christmas, with her three children, their spouses, and eight lively grandchildren, Sally reflected on their lives together. They had made good choices along the way. Life was good.

Joshua, in Joshua 24:15, commanded the people, saying “…choose this day whom you will serve,…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” These days we aren’t tempted to follow the gods of the Amorites or Jebusites. No, it’s usually the gods of wealth, pleasure, sex, or prestige that lure us. Choose wisely.