Numerous Choices

I cannot count the number of choices I’ve made in my lifetime. But, I’ve learned something from every choice I’ve ever made. Though not all predilections carry the same amount of weight or may have the same degree of importance, when we consider the choices we’ve made during lifetimes, we might discover how our choices, albeit a mystery to us, have been orchestrated by Someone who knows us better than we do ourselves.

Who Knew?

At the age of eighteen, I was desperate. I wanted to leave home, but I had no plan, just a strong impulse; a restless urge. I knew it was time for me to go, but I had nowhere to go. Then, an escape plan revealed itself. 

In the summer of 1976, the Teton Dam in the southeast part of Idaho, collapsed. As a result, there was an ample amount of opportunity for work. Consequently, one of my sisters, a brother and two of their friends decided to head to Idaho to seek jobs. My sister extended an invitation for me to join them, and I accepted. 

 Though I’d never been to Idaho, had not secured a job nor a place to live, I readied myself for travel. I purchased a used V.W. and with my brother’s help, constructed a platform in place of the backseat where I could sleep. Then, in November of that same year, I waved good-bye to Mom, took my place in the caravan of cars, and headed west. I was elated with feelings of freedom, independence and unknown possibilities. 

But things in Idaho did not turn out at all like I thought. We never got anywhere near the Teton Dam, but instead settled in Northern Idaho where I met Jesus and accepted his invitation for a relationship. Who knew that Idaho would be where I’d meet up with my salvation?  

Choosing to Forgive

Choosing to forgive those whom I’ve forgiven reminds me of choosing to leave home at the age of eighteen. I was desperate. But I had no plan. I had a strong impulse; a restless urge. I knew it was time for me to change, but I had no idea about how to change. Then, an escape plan revealed itself and I chose, by faith, to take the next step. 

Why Bother?

Why bother considering our choices? Whether out of impulse, innocence or by faith, our decisions have something to teach us. Perhaps it is as simple as considering that our next step may actually be a step orchestrated by God.  

You can read the whole story of my journey to forgiveness in my book, A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness found at Redemption Press and Amazon. Also, please accept my invitation to attend the next Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness© workshop on Saturday, April 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the YMCA.