DECISIONS
Decisions are likened to the variety of fruits our creator has provided. Decisions placed before our eyes that our palette craves, we must make a decision. There are ever-ending actions we must make each day.
Remember when you were a child and your mom or dad took you to the store or the market? Depending on where you grew up, it would be to the mall. Where I am from, the grocery store or the market never had the Super in front of it. Over here, it’s called the supermarket, I would think, because of the vast space and the fact that within it, a person could get lost.
When you are a child, you never think of where the money comes from if you get what you want. I was different, and still am in my late years. I never did ask and was often surprised when what I desired was bought for me. Deep within my subconscious mind, I felt that if they could afford it, I would get it, so I never put my mom or dad in an embarrassing situation to say they could not afford to buy what I wanted.
I can recall my first cycle, which my late sister Patsy had bought for me. In those days, owning a bike was a big deal. Oh, how I cherished that cycle. The funny thing is, I don’t know what became of it. It was there for a season and a reason.
From childhood to adulthood, at some point, we must make the decision to move from our parents’ home into our own or an apartment, get that education we wanted that will come at a cost, get that car or motorcycle we desire, or do some things that make us happy that we have accomplished on our own (not for some). We sit back and, for a time, enjoy the fruit of our labor and accomplishment. As life goes on, there is another decision to make.
Decisions are the results of living in mediocrity or basking in wealth.
It matters not where we are in life. What matters is how we use what is available to us. Some of us live in countries where access to wealth can be accomplished easily, yet daily lack of appreciation is seen by actions of a few who take what is not theirs and expect to be handed what they have not toiled for. Be mindful that I am not judging anyone; every action has a reaction. And I don’t know what has happened in a person’s life whose actions taken towards another are unfair and unjust. However, I do know that if we seek, we will find. If we knock a door someone will open, and if we ask, it will be given. Therefore, some in need can avoid unfair actions and do the right thing, unlike what I saw on my way home a few weeks ago. I exited the subway and onto the streets to catch the bus to my destination. It was waiting at the stop.
The traffic lights soon turned green, allowing pedestrians to cross. I hurried to the bus as the driver exited. Apparently, he had not long gotten there when I exited the train station. I boarded the bus and took a seat. Soon after, others started to enter. Everyone was minding their business when suddenly a commotion was heard. All eyes darted to the front of the bus as someone shouted, “No, no.” A loud noise is then heard as someone was hit and fell. Seen running from the scene is a young fellow in a hooded outfit. A presumptuous teen who, in the light of day, tried to steal another’s belongings. When the young man got up, he was severely bleeding from the nose.
Could the attempted thief avoid his action, which may see him behind bars for assault? Self-control is so needed in our daily lives. This brings me to another point of decision-making.
Sometimes our want is not our need. My mother always told me never to put my hat where I could not reach it. In this saying, she meant, do not reach for that which is not attainable. Spend within your means, or from what you have.
Recently, I attended many Zoom meetings that involved building the life one wants to see oneself in. In addition to being encouraged mentally by the many guest speakers and the special offers to purchase their products, a decision had to be made immediately to acquire the offer at its cost. I had to decline.
In the next few days, I will receive emails with lower costs. As tempting as the deal was, I had a few questions to answer as I assessed my current economic situation. Landlords were evicting tenants for their own reasons, and many were protesting against unfair actions.
- Did I have at least six months ‘ rent in an unforeseen circumstance?
- Technology is now progressing on our computers with AI and Copilot; do I need the offer, or is it just a want?
- If I spend the currency for the offer, how am I replacing it? Replacement will be more costly now than when I saved it.
- If I accept the terms of the new offer, who is to tell the company will not pull the plug on the usage of the software once a payment or two is missed? These were questions that needed an honest answer.
I have witnessed plans made in good faith sometimes fail due to unforeseen circumstances. We are living in a world where privacy is no longer our own. Due to the invasion of our technical gadgets, which are unknown to us, our lives are guided by the wise. Therefore, careful thought must be given before a purchase that may eventually put you in financial stress; it should be given careful consideration.
In the eyes of each one, the decision made is in his or her best interest. But is it? The bible states Jeremiah’s acknowledgement that to earthling it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step. Jeremiah 10:23. Therefore, before making decisions, give prayerful thought to the one who sees ahead of us with complete trust that he will direct your steps in what is best for you.
Keep in mind, a simple life, having what is needed, is the best way of living.
- Money depletes with expenses.
- A Home eventually decays and requires repairs.
- Technology, man will never be able to keep up with its changes.
- Wealth is taken from a man by a thief or natural disasters.
- Death leaves everything we struggled for behind.
Therefore, live with appreciation, and spend within your financial budget. Stop taking what is not yours or harming others because of your greed. Stop finding reasons to discredit others. Grow up. Jealousy and covetousness belong to thieves and those who think less of themselves.
Appreciate what you have, create from what and where you are. Applaud those gifted to entertain, educate, and enlighten; in doing so, you will have the knowledge to gain wealth.
I will end this post with a quote: “We are all visitors to this place at this time. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, learn, grow, love, and then return home.” –Aboriginal Proverb.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoy this post, leave a comment.
Better The End 