Life Lesson #2: Choose Wisely

3/09/2010 Estreitta 1 Comments


Life Lesson #2: Choose Wisely:


Everyday we are asked to make choices big and small.  Some of those choices may seem insignificant while others may affect the next 10 years of your life.


Several years ago, I visited the Potters House for a Sunday night service and I heard Pastor TD Jakes say:


"Every decision you have made in your life good and bad big or small, easy or difficult, have brought you to this very place and time to bring you here tonight"



My best friend, Mandy, then turned to me and said,

"He's right, Estreitta, you are only here in Texas because of the choice you made to move back from Minnesota to be closer to [the ex i had just broken up with]"
That one choice I made in December 1995 to move back in Texas did change things in my life dramatically:
  • I missed 2 years of College
  • I had strained relationships in MN because of me just picking up and moving back to Texas, there were people who were depending on me
  • I accumulated a lot of debt, mostly credit card
  • I got to reconnect with high school friends from Springtown
  • I served in the Youth Ministry at my home church in Azle

There were both good and bad consequences to that decision, and it took about a year and half for me to forgive myself and be healed from the bad choices I made.  And if I had the choice to go back and do it differently, i totally would have, especially if I knew what I know now.  But as a result of what i went through, I do have a stronger faith and trust in God, but i would never wish on anyone to go through what I did, because it was extremely painful process. 

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger."



Friedrich Nietzsche

From that experience, I learned afterwards that it is important to take time to make choices.

NEVER EVER make an impulsive decision!


We must always first, take step back then take a look at the situation this will help see what the outcome is. Then make the decision.

God revealed to me this analogy during the aftermath of my decision:

Imagine a tree, and all you can see is that tree because you are standing toe to toe and your nose pressed up against the tree.  That's all you see , smell, touch, taste is the tree nothing else. So many times we get so focused on the tree, and we choose to stay there because we think it is the only choice...

However, unless you take a step back and see that you are standing in a forest. Then you will see how many choices you truly can make.


Don't let your emotions rule you because it can effect the choices you make.  Any impulsive decision I made never ended well.
I'm so grateful that His Word says:


God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left. (Lamentations 3:22-23, The Message)

When we ask Him to forgive us for our screw-ups, I'm so thankful He is the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th...chances. 

Another part of this lesson that I learned was to Listen to Wise Counsel.

Many of my close Christian friends tried to tell me I was making impulsive decisions and bad choices. Many of them had a bad feeling about my boyfriend at the time. But because I "thought" I was hearing from God, I wouldn't listen to their words of wisdom.  I didn't realize until afterwards that the Lord was using my friends to try to wake me up to prevent me from making the choices I was making. Because they were right, he was bad news and it was not a good choice.

So if you are ever making a decision check with your friends and family that know and love you and Love God.  AND LISTEN to their WISE COUNSEL. They will help you every step of the way.

When Erik and I were dating about 6 months and we started talking about marriage, I asked my friends and family what they truly thought of Erik. I asked them to be totally honest.

You know every single one of them said,  "Erik is a great guy, we can tell he truly loves the Lord and that he honors and respects you. We are excited for you!" 

Marrying Erik was most definitely one the best decisions I made, it wasn't impulsive and I sought wise counsel from friends and family. This helped me to choose wisely!

Next Blog: Life Lesson #3: Take Time

1 comment :

  1. E- this is a beautiful and amazing POST!!! I love the way you write and your message. You are such an encouragement, I needed to read this today!! Maybe, I could have you write a bit for my blog? I will send you an email!

    ReplyDelete