Being Pro-Choice

I am at a crossroads.

..again.

I get here fairly often.

Usually around this time of year.

The thing is, I like to be relied upon. To be committed to things. Big things. Little things. Church stuff. Scout activities. Social outings.

Here's the problem. After a period of time, I find myself assuming I can do "x" without really making a choice about it. I mean, I did it last year. I like "x". And, always floating around in the back of my head.... "if you don't do it this year, they're going to find someone better, and there won't be a spot for you again...." (Stinking pride. If there was one sin-ectomy I could have, it would be pride. Pride-ectomy.)

Does that make sense? It's like I tell myself, "well, of course you're going to do that thing! That's what you DO!"

Hence, I am so booked with the things I feel I ought to do, that I am barely squeezing in the things I know I am 100% certain, without a doubt, called to do.

This time of year, the time right after school ends, but before the press of the new school year is felt, I like to think about what I have going on in my life and make choices. Choices about what will stay, and what will go. I am not going to lie- I don't like it. I want to do everything. And I suppose I could....but then, in a way, I am making a choice about the quality I am willing to settle for in how I accomplish "everything".

I had lunch with a dear friend of mine, Julie, and she reminded me to make a firm list with what I am choosing to say "yes" to, so that I can see, realistically, what I need to choose to say "no" to. (Don't you LOVE friends who tell you the truth in a way that makes you want to follow their advice? Such a gift.)

Be a chooser. Don't let the press of urgency, or pushy people, or pride (ugh), force in on you and make you slave to what's hollering at you the loudest. Do what my friend Julie suggested- take some time in a quiet place, by yourself, and make choices. Don't fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent. CHOOSE.

So there we are. I would love to be able to do everything well. But I can't. And sadly, the things that suffer if I choose to take on too many responsibilities.... are the most important things. I don't want that to happen. I want to spend my life pursuing what God has called me to. There are things that I think He may have called me to.... but then there are things I KNOW I am supposed to do. For sure.

So I choose those things. The important ones.

The other stuff will be there when I'm done with what's on my plate, I hope.