When the Decision is Easy

WHEN THE DECISION IS EASY

Let me ask you a question:  If you could go back in life and change some of the decisions you made, would you?

I’ve asked people this question many times in life and others have asked me the same.  It’s an interesting one because there are generally only two responses that people give.  Maybe that seems obvious given that the answer is either yes or no.  But the rationale for either “yes” or “no” is almost always the same as well.

For those who say no, the explanation almost always goes something like this:  “Well, even though I made some decisions that I wouldn’t necessarily make now, I recognize that those decisions have also made me the person I am today, so I wouldn’t go back and change them.”

For those who say yes, the explanation almost always goes something like this:  “Of course I would. If I knew then what I know now, I never would have made those decisions.  I would definitely go back and change them.”

While I can certainly appreciate both answers and see the different perspectives, there is often one common theme that separates the “yes” people from the “no” people … and that is the severity of their consequences.  

The “no” people are those who are generally satisfied with their lives.  They are not haunted by decisions of the past and their lives are not significantly impacted by those decisions either.  However, the “yes” people are those who continue to be disturbed by the decisions of their past and more often than not (in one way or another) are still experiencing the consequences of these decisions.

One of the reasons I love working with young people is that they are still pliable, moldable. They are still open to new ideas and exploring beliefs.  They are intensely involved (though often subconsciously) in a process of self-discovery and they are beginning to look at the world with new eyes and a developing mind.  In fact, adolescence is the second most developmental stage in a person’s life.  So much is determined during these years!

This is why it is so important they have people around them who care about them!  People around them who desire what’s best for them and will help them along this journey!  People who respect them, listen to them, value them, challenge them, affirm them, and yes … even guide them!  In such a significant stage of life, teens need adults who believe in them and will help them make the best decisions, both for their immediate and distant future!

Regardless of whether we (as adults) would go back or not, we have a tremendous opportunity, a wonderful privilege, and a significant responsibilityto lead our youth into the future well.  Teens will not always make the right decisions – there is no denying this. But at a very minimum, we can help prevent some from making decisions that will result in negative, life-long consequences.  And at best, well … we can be a part of setting them on a path to life and life to its fullest!

If you ask me, it’s an easy decision:  Let’s invest in our youth!

I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. ~ Jesus

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