Words of Hope: Decide
Deuteronomy 30:19 “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live.” This verse was one of my Dad’s favorites. The root derivative of the word decide means to slay. Homicide and suicide share the same root. In other words, something must die when we decide. Our family loves to play the “would you rather game?” This quick decision-making game is a fun learning lesson on decisions. Would you rather be able to fly like an eagle or swim like a seal? Would you rather have the power of invisibility or super strength? These questions provided us with endless fun.
In playing this game, we discovered that the hardest decisions are ones where you want both or don’t want either one. This is decision-making at its most crucial. I loved that Dad always helped me discern the best choice and navigate the worst option. He could explain outcomes and how decisions made today could impact my future. He mastered the ability to present choices for me to consider while allowing me to make the choice. I tend to be too heavy-handed with my girls. I need to have Dad’s beautiful skill at wise counsel and courage to allow autonomy of choice. I have never seen anyone better at this skill set. I love you Dad for this.
“This day I call the heavens and the 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. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” – Deteronomy 30: 19
