My hands gripped the handle as I pushed the door open. Stepping into the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delectable treats. The essence wafted across the threshold and ignited my senses.
I approached the counter of a million choices, already knowing my mind was made-up on having my usual. The order that doesn't disappoint. The low risk. The common. The familiar.
Tall.
Non-fat.
Sugar-free Vanilla.
Latte.
With a world of choice before me in this sweet smelling coffee shop, I decided to take a step back to weigh my options. Read the choices.
Hot. Cold.
Iced. Blended.
Tall. Venti.
Non-fat. Whole.
Whip. No whip.
Flavour shots. Espresso.
I stood there, my eyes glancing from menu option to menu option. Buried beneath a wealth of decisions for a simple cup of joe, I contemplated.
Do I ever take this backwards stride to really weigh out my choices in the day-to-day?
To surrender them over for a closer look.
We all have choices.
All.
The.
Time.
Some choices are easy.
Like when I stand in my closet and I ask myself "what should I wear?".
Although somedays this can be quite tough, it really isn't. In reality, it isn't a big deal what I drap over this skin.
Or when I'm about to whisk ingredients together for supper time meals, I question "do I want grilled chicken & salad or should I splurge with an indulgence of grilled burgers & french fries instead?". Again, when it comes down to it... it doesn't really matter.
Some choices are habitual.
Like when I go to the grocery store or pick my girls up from school, I take the same route. No scenic tour of the city in which I dwell. I follow the roads that get me to my destination with a hope for accident-free travel.
Or possibly I choose to be frustrated instead of "fruitful" when something doesn't work out as I had planned or hoped for. Operating in the old instead of the new {not all choices are good ones}.
Some choices are difficult.
Thought upon with care. Deliberation. Great intent. Prayerful consideration.
Many of us have been here. When we contemplate life-changing actions. Knowing the ripple-effect that can occur from those specific conclusions.
At a cross-roads in life.
If all choices we had to make could come with a guarantee or certainty, would that make life easier?
When choices rely on our making of them, there is no assurance.
No absolute.
This is why my credence rests in Jesus and not myself.
We are human. He is God.
He is my security, He is my grace.
There is no sure-deal when I step up to the counter and choose to order something out-of-the-ordinary, that I will be satisfied. Pleased with my choice.
Is it worth the risk?
In all honesty, it depends on what's at stake.
I walk up to the friendly face behind the counter, smiling wide in his haze of brewed beans. "I'm ready to order" I smirk. "I think I'm going to try something different today."
"Why not?" he says to me. I repeat it.
Grande.
Soy.
Sugar-free Hazelnut.
Blended Frappuccino.
No whip.
He grinds it up in front of me. My choices blending together and poured into a cup.
I'm eager to taste of this creation.
He places it on the counter with a funny grin. I grab it, insert my straw and take a sip.
Do you want to know my verdict?
Was I satisfied with my choices? Was I disappointed?
Well, this decision was only coffee.
I've got to know! Did you like it or not?
ReplyDeleteWho was it that once said, "Every decision is a spiritual decision."?
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't necessarily agree with that (ordering coffee for instance doesn't necessarily qualify), I do believe there are many more decisions with spiritual consequence than we often realize.
Right now we're at one of those biggies in parenting. It's a killer, and I struggle with that insecurity of not knowing the future. So I remind myself that God does. Praise Him!
You are too funny. But I love this post. Made me take a step back and think! I never get anything different at Starbucks...I get the Caramel Frapp no whip! How was yours??
ReplyDeleteLove it - and what a great read as I am trembling this morning getting ready for my first day at Stonecroft....worrying about the unkown of what this day will bring. Thankyou for blessings us over and over!
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of this post made me hear Tom Hanks' voice in "You've Got Mail" all about decision making :)
ReplyDeleteGreat picture and way to step back. I'll step back some and do some re-evaluating as a result of reading this today. Thanks!
R <><
LOVED THIS!! We are learning the same things!!! Wrote about this very thing today too :)Let's do something different!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS POST!! Decisions, Decisions! Sometimes I get tired of making decisions but I have control issues so it's hard to let go- hehe.
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny Manda! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! We are definitely faced with so many decisions each day and some may seem easy almost as we breathe naturally or our heart beats. We have to be mindful of what our Saviour would want for us each day and how we need to reflect Him! Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteFunny stuff! But so true.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteMy second day visit. I found your blog through Tuesdays unwrapped, and I have to say, I am hooked. I too think through so many things, I've simply called myself a worrier but it's more than that. Needless to say I am enjoying your writing immensely.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Dana
"If all choices we had to make could come with a guarantee or certainty, would that make life easier?"
ReplyDeleteAnd this is where the dilemma lies!! When it comes to things like coffee..and $3.00 a pop...well I'll stick with the "usual"!!
But what about those life changing moments. The ones where he asks us to step out in faith...to take a risk...to maybe even fall?? Oh that I might know the One, whose hands hold mine, so intimately that it doesn't matter. He is worth the risk!
So...did you like it?? ;)
Manda,
ReplyDeleteOnce again you impress me. Thanks for sharing. I think I'll become a regular.
Blessings to you my friend.
Shawn
I read once where a study was done and if there were too many choices, people would chose not to buy at all! ha! More was sold if the choices were fewer. So, you have helped me remember to make a choice for Him, to choose those things which honor and bring Him glory most. Thank you Manda for blessing us today!
ReplyDeleteI'm learning, it isn't easy, that God has given us a mind to make choices and we are simply called to make choices according to His will. His will, that's what complicates this feeble minds of ours. But His will is simple. To love and serve Him and others and to obey. It's of course not wrong to pray and seek wisdom, that's important, vital. But choosing to move to one city over another, or taking one job over a different one He is still going to use us if we do His will.
ReplyDelete