That idea that we have the privilege
of making choices in our lives is intriguing to me. And when you match up the concept of choices
verses abilities, well, we open a whole passel of possibilities.
Let’s take “ability” first. Mankind is
wickedly smart. We have learned and
continually learn how to manipulate, fix, override, negotiate, argue forcefully
persuade, market, bend and twist any idea or concept to gain appeal.
We can send men and women into space and
allow them to live there for months on end.
We have electronic devices that boggle the imagination. We have medical solutions that were unheard
of ten years ago. And in sports, we are achieving
feats that astound and amaze even in our advanced age. We keep pushing the limits of our abilities
and understanding.
Man is becoming a super-human species in
our own lifetime. The question is this –
Is there no limit to what we will accomplish next?
And yet we come to the other side of our
topic – What about choice?
What indeed!
It is the power of choice that was given
to mankind in the garden when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil. That one
bite opened up the cauldron of choices, and we have been saddled with that dilemma
ever since.
I found this great quote from a Harry
Potter book.
“It is our
choices, Harry,
that show
what we truly are,
far more
than our abilities.”
~Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
J.K.
Rowling
Oh, the power of choice. Some say this is our greatest power. I tend to agree.
I can eat anything I choose. But is it beneficial for me? I have a serious sweet tooth. Wisdom says avoid sweets and sugary delights.
I have lots of strength. I could walk down any street, smash any
window, overturn any container in my way, and toss a brick in any direction at
anyone I choose. I could do all
of that and more. But I choose to act
otherwise.
I frequent book stores often and I could
choose to pick up any assortment of books and magazines arrayed in front of
me. I have that ability, yet my sense of
choice kicks in and I gravitate to the sections of my choosing.
I could drive ninety-two mph down the
freeways of Seattle, however, I choose rather to be sensible and drive near the
speed limit.
Quaint illustrations, I know, but the
point is this - what we are capable of doing and what we choose to do
sometimes come into conflict. Where do
we find the answers?
Some wise person has said – We are the
sum total of the five people with whom we spend the most time. That speaks of nothing but the power of influence
and how we allow influence to affect our ability to make good choices.
See what I’m driving at here?
Just because I have the ability
doesn't mean I should choose
to do the thing.
We are talking about RESPONSIBILITY! That is the word – Responsibility.
This has as much to do with religion as
it does with properly relating to one another on this earth.
I find this great quote from JFK to be
particularly pertinent.
“Our most
basic common link
is that we
all inhabit this planet.
We all
breathe the same air.
We all
cherish our children’s future.
And we are
all mortal.”
~John F.
Kennedy
We all want a future with hope.
And we come back to the power of choice.
That is our responsibility, mine and yours, whether we live in
Dubai
Des
Moines
Denmark
Detroit
LA
Louisiana
Saudi Arabia
Salt Lake City
Nashville
New York
Or any other fine city, town, community
or village on this beautiful earth.
Remember this:
P Michael
Biggs
Offering
Hope
Encouragement
Inspiration
One Word
at a Time
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