“Make a good choice!” is a phrase my kids hear a lot.
“Make a good choice!”
When they are in the valley of decision, I try to get them to think about the decision they are making. (“Do you really want to make the choice to use that mean voice with your brother?” or “Do you really want the consequences that come along with disobeying what I have asked you to do?” or “ Do you really want to continue that poor behavior and be sent to your room for “room time”?)
Often, the gentle reminder is what is needed to push them over into making a good choice. (Of course, I readily admit, sometimes it doesn’t work.)
I have been trying to use this technique on myself lately. I’m thinking of eating leftover Easter candy that needs to be thrown away and I can tell myself, “Make a good choice Thora.” (This means to throw it away, not to get rid of it by eating it even though at the time it seems pretty appealing.)
Or, I might be thinking of checking my church e-mail at night when I am with my family and prompt myself to think, “Make a good choice Thora.” What is your priority here?” (It is too easy for me to get caught up in some situation at church which seems to need my attention when my children really are my higher priority.) When it is homework time, I must make the choice to not even look at my in-box.
Sometimes I follow up the “Make a good choice” comment with, “Is that really the choice you want to make?” This is also a good reminder for me. Sometimes, I just need to take time to think. This is helpful when replying to e-mails…especially if you’ve had your feelings hurt.
It is usually a good choice to wait before hitting “send.” (Has anyone else ever experienced regret over a sent e-mail?)
Would anyone want to share a time where it benefitted you to stop and think about the choice you were about to make before you made it?
Blessings,
Thora
This is all so very true and applicable to all. I, too, tell my kids that life (good and bad) can be brought down to very simple choices. I struggle with this whole email thing too. Mondays are my days I try to set aside to just be a mommy and wife. Nothing else. It is so difficult! It’s nice to read that I’m not the only one. Thank you for letting us into your home. 🙂
This is perfect timing for me as my husband and I are trying to .take a decision about buying another vehicle. We have tried to be patient hearing the Lord’s voice so we make the right decision. As we waited the Lord showed His faithfulness. If we would have jumped with our will in the flesh it would have been the wrong choice. We thank the Lord for your peace in all this!