In my morning devotional time today I read today's offerings from "Our Daily Bread."  Today's message was labeled "CHOICES MATTER."

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The writings started off with a story about a pastor whose schedule included hospital visits to two parishioners near death who had chosen different life paths. The first visit was to a womyn loved by her family. She was an advocate for public service and was loved by many. As she lay transitioning, many believers of Jesus had gathered around her to worship, pray, and ask God for a miracle. In another room in the hospital the relative of a member of the pastor's church was also dying. The person's life was not one of going to church or living a life that they felt pleasing to God. The difference in the two atmospheres reflected  the contrasts in how each had lived. 

 

Choices Matter. And there is a God who helps us make choices that will prepare us for a life of peace with the understanding that when you are finished on the earth, there is a better place for you to spend eternity. Every now and then, as humans, we have to stop and think about what will happen when we have finished  this life. Matthew 11:28 reminds each of us that God made a promise to us and it is incumbent on each of us to think about what lies ahead after we are finished on the plain. The question that sits before us is "What about our path in life needs reexamination or correction? What's keeping us from asking for God's help and courage to make needed changes in our lives?"

 

No one is perfect, but along this life we can make small changes that change our paths and give us the comfort in knowing that after this there can be "glory, peace and happiness."

 

Let us all search ourselves and know that choices matter. Everyday we make choices and are offered the opportunity to make good ones. What choices would you like to change as you move forward? What things do we hold onto that make us bitter and angry at others? Search for yourself.

 

Not a sermon, just a thought.

 

Namaste'

Rev. Akosua McCray