Destiny

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decided to be.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What a profound statement by Ralph Waldo Emerson, our destiny is our choice. Sometimes I can think the life of someone I care about is set in stone.   Temporarily, it may seem that their future is preset by the generations before, however, there is a reason that we all have free will and that is to make our own choices. Those choices pave the way for our own opportunities to learn and grow. Those choices may be for our good such as the good company we keep, the ability to resist temptation, and the willingness to look at mistakes as just that mistakes. Or our alternative choice is to connect ourselves with company that corrupts, seek risky choices, push aside the idea that we are called to avoid temptations, live the world view lifestyle, and sit in the pity party of our choices believing things will never change.

Proverbs 3: 5 -6 tells us ” Trust in the Lord with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path.”

Could it be possible that our life will include trials, challenges, joys, happiness and consequences related to that free will?  Yes,  of course!!! Life is a journey with light and dark contrasts, meant to provide a kaleidoscope of many reflections.  These reflections can bring new insight into our life purpose. There are sunny yellow days, pink loving days, teal blue cool days, lavender peaceful days and black darkness filled days.

There is always the opportunity to learn from the mistakes, not hold onto failure and stay stuck. Failures give us a chance to see the infallibility of being human, to seek the Lord who knows we are not perfect and wants to guide our lives. Failure is not a dead end but an opportunity to take the other road that leads to freedom. Our Lord wants to take us by the hand and point the way to redemption, reconciliation, and a life lived abundantly with Him. Lightness over darkness can be achieved when we choose obedience to His path and lay down our need to plan the journey.

If I think with the mindset of the temporal I may feel overwhelmed and hopeless. I choose instead to think with a mind for eternity.  I choose to use quiet time reading His Word; seeking greater understanding for the ups and downs or play worship music that soothes my soul. As I sing about His promises, slowly but surely my heart and soul connect on a deeper level with the Lover of my Soul, Jesus. I choose to pray intercessory prayers for those who are on challenging journeys. The phrase, Letting go and letting God, can lead my life and the lives of those I love. I choose to spend time with friends that support and encourage me as I hope to reciprocate with them the same.

Your destiny may be your choice in some measure, however, you do not walk the steps alone, unless you choose that path. Seek peace and direction from the only One who really understands you, Let go and Let God!! There is something amazing about holding hands with the One who created you and knows your destiny. Realize that the kaleidoscope reflection may not be clear yet, however, that doesn’t mean the image won’t be beautiful in the end.  Open your eyes to the colors of the day.