Why Choosing Good Isn't Always Right

The lists, the dreams, the goals and ambitions; the things I want to do.  All worthy, all good, all things that would build, increase and better the person I am.

  

These things are good, but choosing good isn't always the right thing to do.

Rarely in life are decisions easy with a distinct good and bad.  Rarely am I left to choose between obeying the law or committing a crime, that might be how some people live their lives, but definitely does not fit me.

  

Instead, my day is made up of: should I write more in my book or write another blog post?  Should I play one more game of Candy Land with my son or put the laundry away?  Should I update my photography website or watch another photography class on-line?

Sometime the right answer isn't so clear.  All things good, but are they the best?

Dallas H. Oaks spoke a few years ago about choosing the best, or deciding between the good, the better or the best.  I often listen to that talk again as it helps me stay grounded.

It helps me realize that there is a time and season for everything.  While many of my pursuits and goals might be good even possibly great things, they may not be the best.

If they take me too often from my family (either physically or mentally), if they raise my pride, my vanity or my desire to be seen as successful in the eyes of the world, they might not be the best.

The choice might end up being based upon time or the stage of life I am currently in.  Some things may need to wait so I can focus on what is best now; on stages and time periods that will last just a brief moment.

Today, and probably again in a few days (as let's be honest it is so easy to get distracted) I pledge to choose the best. 

I pledge to focus my time, my energy and my abilities on the things that truly matter; the things that if everything were taken from me would be the things I missed most.  The things that cannot easily be forgotten with the passage of time. 

My family.  My faith.  My service and efforts to help those around me.  

I choose the best. 

************
Linking up with Shell's PYHO

Join me Tomorrow for Friday 5.