questions (two of three)

are our lives predestined?
or are we in control of our own destiny?

i think that god has a perfect plan for each one of us. but it’s hard for us to stay on course because we are human and we make mistakes. we are so easily distracted by things that aren’t good for us. and much too often, it takes a painful meandering for us to realize this. in fact, for most, it takes several painful meanderings.

i think this is easily understood by looking at the relationship between a parent and child. a parent wants the very best for his or her child. but they can’t force the child to do everything they want or to follow a course that has been mapped out for them. eventually the child will want to or need to find his or her own way. eventually they will have to take ownership of their own journey. and they will make mistakes. and they will wander off course. the desire of the parent is for their child to stay on track, but the reality is this – that track isn’t always clear. and sometimes the wrong track looks more appealing, even though the consequences are not.

the good news is that a healthy parent will stand by and support and encourage their child along the way, regardless of where they aim or where they go, or where they end up. and i think that god does the same thing with us. he knows what is best for us. he wants what is best for us. and he will lead us into those great things if we let him. but he will not force us to follow the path he has laid out for us. he gives us the ability to choose and simply walks with us along the way.