Deep Thoughts

This week, Glenn Beck (yes, I am obsessed with his radio show) has been talking about James A. Garfield’s quote, “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” I have experienced this in my life. Almost 20 years ago, I had to make an excruciating decision. One that I read, studied and prayed about for months before I finally acted upon my final choice. I knew what I needed to do, but I knew the pain that choice would cause many in my life. So, I agonized, caught between what I knew I had to do and preserving the feelings of those I loved. The moment I acted upon my choice, the most liberating, refreshing, feeling of freedom and comfort washed over me. I felt a weight remove from me. I understood at that moment what Jesus meant when he said “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me….for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) I cried at the sudden relief that had been given to me. Since that day, I have been truly free.

Our Sunday school lesson today touched on a similar note. We discussed how making the decision to follow God and the commandments might at first be hard, but in the end it makes our lives so much easier and happier. Those who do not follow the strait and narrow path, for them, life seems so easy because they can do whatever in the world they might want. Later, however, the find themselves in bondage to sin, or in some way suffering for the consequences of their choices.

In our church, we teach our children to CTR: Choose the Right. It really is just that easy. It might make you miserable in the moment not to get or do whatever you want to do. But the Lord has promised us the richness of his blessings both here on earth and eternally if we do so. Sure makes the little things we “miss out on” seem quite insignificant!

I often reflect in that time 20 years ago, the years that lead up to them to prepare me to endure the pain, and the 20 years since in which the seed that I planted has indeed produced a tree ripe with good fruit. I have never once regretted my decision and have been truly blessed over and over and over again.

The decision to move to Houston has been one of those decisions that has made me a little miserable. Brian and I dreamed of California for over ten years; choosing Houston felt like abdicating a dream. We just got back from picking out a house to live in, and it is a GREAT house! We will be close to family and live in a conservative state! Suddenly, I am able to see more about what I’m gaining that what I’ve given up. It will be exciting to see what the next 20 years brings into our lives. Whatever it is, the Lord’s hand guides my path and I will continue to listen to his voice.