Choose This Day...

(It might be helpful to view the video available through this link before continuing).

Choices. Every day we are faced with all types of choices. Those choices can lead us down a road to any number of outcomes. Whoever broke in to our building the other night had a choice. They chose to act in a way that might give them temporary satisfaction, without much concern for the negative implications. They will only continue to be faced with choices as they move forward wherever they go.

As those who have been wronged, we also have a choice. How will we respond in the midst of unfortunate or frustrating circumstances? The world would expect us to be angry. Maybe in some way we might actually be justified in that feeling. But, should we choose to feel that way? Or do we have a responsibility, a calling even, to choose to respond differently than those around us might expect? Sure, the initial feelings are ones of frustration. It's a hassle. It's inconvenient. There's immeasurable value in what was taken...it's more than just the price tag on the box. Even still, in the end it's just stuff. What does it really matter? What matters is how I choose this day to respond, whatever the circumstances...whether good or bad...mountain or valley...victim or thief. What matters is that I have a chance, I have a choice, to act redemptively even when I'm not at fault, even when there is an obvious someone else to blame, even when an enemy chooses to spit in my face.

After all, Jesus did. And he's the one I choose to follow. He's the one I decide each day to try to imitate. So don't be angry. Life's too short to chase that train. Instead, take a deep breath, and be reminded of this simple refrain: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." -Deut 30:19-20.

--Mike