How do you make difficult decisions?
Tough decisions are easier when we think about the story of our life. Picture your grandkids flipping through the scrapbook of your life, what do you want them to see when they open that book?
When I was six years old, I decided that when I grew up I’d be Miss USA. Twenty years later, I was looking forward to making good on that promise. Last weekend, was Miss Colorado USA. I didn’t complete.
This spring and summer, I took my eye off the crown. I wasn’t focused on workouts, sponsors, or stage training. I was focused on learning to be the Service Delivery Lead at a software company.
Dreams collided.
I
deferred my admission to the 2013 pageant.
I found out too late that I would be
too old to compete next year.
Heartbreaking.
When I chose to defer Miss Colorado, I was thinking of the story I want to tell with my life. I didn’t want my story to include the time I went into debt to compete in a pageant. I wanted my story to include making the last payment on the four years I spent at the University of San Diego, and leveraging that financial freedom to chase down a dream.
While I missed an opportunity, I still want to live a life that defers to the future, with a hope placed firmly in the One who holds it.
“You
saw me before I was born.
Every
day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every
moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
{Psalm 139:16, NLT}
Daily that means…
When I'm struggling with my budget, I think of the day next year when I make my last student loan payment. On that day, I will have paid off the education that's been the foundation of my career, knowing no one did it for me.
When I'm struggling with singleness, I remember that there will be a day when my daughter asks me about my first love. On that day, I will point across the room to her dad.
When I’m struggling with what I want now, and what I want for my future, I choose the future.
When we’re tempted to take a shortcut, or to take our future into our own hands, we’re called to put our decisions before God and use His discernment.
I don't want to live a life characterized by extreme risks. I want to live a life characterized by extreme obedience to a God that always reigns, and to a love that always wins.
When we're faced with a decision between what we want now, and what we want for our future, I pray we set an example...and choose the future.
Love wins,
Lisamarie
