Choice

In every situation there is a choice.  Driving for the basket or goal in sports; do you pass or do it on your own?  Rushing to your destination; take the left lane or the right?  Struggling to overcome an obstacle; should one try to be patient and let things work themselves out or simply push through the roadblock?  Most of the time there is no magical standard one can use to determine how “right or wrong” or “good or bad” the alternatives are.  They simple are choices with risks and rewards, benefits and costs, actions to move things forward or remain in place. 
 
In these situations it is help to know the context.  What has happened to get us to this point?  What are the factors that could influence the choice at hand?  What are the relationships between and with those involved?  What are their attitudes?  What might happen?
 
Far too often I spend an extraordinary amount of time analyzing, worrying, and then guessing how the answers will play out.  The fact that someone might not agree, could potentially be an obstacle, or might have a contrarian viewpoint has often dramatically slowed me down.  The knowledge has even led me to compromise some of the values, principles, and ideals I hold most precious.  As I examine great leaders and mentors I see a radically different model.
 
Gandhi knew the British were not going to initially give in, yet this didn’t change his choice; in fact it empowered his actions.  Great war leaders understood there were incredible struggles and battles to be fought, yet the knowledge didn’t change their choices.  Again the knowledge seemed to give them strength and determination.  Jesus knew “knew who was betraying him.  That's why he said, ‘Not every one of you.’”  (John 13.11)  Yet he still acted with compassion and love.
 
Every day is filled with choices waiting for our decisions.  What we decide is important; for ourselves as well as those around us.  We shape the world in which we live.  Obstacles will be present; we can ensure compassion is too.