I was fortunate to have great friends when I was young that were older than I was. While many have passed on over the years, their wisdom words have stayed with me far longer than I suspect either of us anticipated. A few were able to get through the haze of youth, ambition, and idealism in the early days. Other words stayed dormant, coming of age when I was able to hear, often causing me to reconsider the path I had chosen.
There are common threads that are shared across the conversations and experiences. As I continue to reflect at the ones that continue influence the paths I am able to see, I find that several keep coming to the top.
We always have a choice. No matter how difficult the situation is, how complex it might seem, within us is the freedom to choose. We can reach for more and settle for less. We can help others or focus on ourselves. We can act to be rewarded or we can try to reward others. When it is simple and also when it is hard, embracing and celebrating our freedom often invites Hope into the moment of choice.
Doing what is right is always the best choice. I know that “right” is not always clear or easy. At times, I am not sure if I know. What I am certain of is that attempting to do what is right is the best choice in every situation.
Life is filled with uncertainty. Very little is guaranteed or absolute. Accepting this takes us back to the first two points. We have a choice. Right as defined by compassion, caring, and community is always better than the alternative. Life reminds me that each choice can be a Divine experience. I also have faith in the Psalmist’s prediction of where these choices and this path leads; “God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn – Zion! God in full view!” (Psalm 84.7)
The day ahead is filled with unknowns. Now is the time to act.
