Different Choices, Different Paths

For as long as I live, I will never forget how my grandfather held out his large, calloused hand and said, “What if the will of God is like this hand? The five different fingers represent five different paths your life could take, but regardless of what you choose, aren’t you still contained in the palm of His hand?”
Proverbs 31 Ministries

We all make choices that affect our direction in life. Sometimes we look back and wonder ‘what if?’  But the truth is we are to look forward and focus on the path ahead. Or we can get so caught up in the wondering that we don’t embrace the right now. 

Retiring was difficult for me. I loved teaching and the students were my family. Letting go felt like letting go of the boat and wondering if there was a life raft to grab onto. I can’t say if I will ever be back in a classroom but I know that with my retirement decision came other opportunities. Being grateful for the time I had with students is my focus. Along with the people who are filling my days in this new season of life. 

Throughout life our choices do impact how our lives unfold. We will never know how life would be different if we had chosen differently. Heartaches we might have avoided or triumphs we didn’t celebrate. The truth is our journey is because of our choices and no matter how we choose we get to be in the palm of His hand. It is comforting that with our freewill we get to steer our lives but never have to walk alone. 

In Him,
 Joyful
3-13-19