Life is Full of Choices...

Or is it choices are full of life?

Today I talked to the High School students about choices, probably my favorite day, the day it all comes together. I start the eight day program with students having little to no clue what they are walking into and who they are walking in with. I let them know my goal is to provide them facts, what they chose to do with those facts eight days later is their choice. At no point in our lessons do I cram down their throat my beliefs or opinions I simply speak the truth and always point out that it's ultimately their choice of paths. I always have students comment about that, "I love how you presented facts and then left it up to us." The final day we have a few things we cover but the main thing is we share our goals for life with each other. I'm a firm believer that if we have a vision of where we are heading that will help us avoid the risky behaviors that sometimes can seem to be the "norm" or accepted. If we have a clear picture it drives us to remember no temporary high; physically, emotionally or mentally is worth what we desire in the future. I've had students in my classes that you can watch in the 2012 Summer Olympics, one swimming against Michael Phelps and the other playing volleyball! How great is that? I have students that are going to be famous authors, politicians, school teachers, great parents, travel the world and the list goes on and on! It's so exciting for me to hear and be a part of the lives of these students who have a vision for their future and are going to truly change the world. The Bible says, "Where there is no vision the people will perish." Before the class is all over I always thank the students and here is my following comments to them and I ask you to let it be my final comment to you today as well.

"You are fixing to walk out this door and into a world that has consequences for poor decisions, you have goals, you just shared them with me, these consequences can destroy those goals. You now have good information and you can make better choices, your past does not dictate your future. The best news is the choice is yours and in those choices lies freedom."