On June 12th, 1999, I married my wife Kim. I stood in front of friends and family, witnesses and God, and declared that I would love her and be faithful to her, for better or worse, until death do us part.
It was a decision and commitment made at a specific moment in time. Early in the afternoon on Saturday, June 12th.
It was a one-time decision. But that was not the end. It is also a decision that has to be re-chosen every single day.
You see, every morning when I wake up, I am offered a choice: Will I be faithful to my wife today? And every day, I must choose faithfulness.
My marriage vows were a one-time declaration but an everyday decision.
This is true about many of the most important decisions we make for our lives.
We choose our life every day.
We don’t necessarily choose our circumstances every day, but we do choose the person we are going to be.
My faith is important to me. I made a commitment to God and others many years ago… but each day I must choose to follow Him.
My family is important to me. I love my kids and I want to be both available for them and intentional in parenting… but every day I must choose to put their interests ahead of mine.
My health is important to me. Countless times I have committed to regular exercise and a healthy diet… but you know as well as I do, this is an intentional decision we must make every day.
I chose minimalism as a lifestyle almost 11 years ago… but every day, I must choose to reject the empty promises of consumerism because the temptation surrounds me constantly.
I desire to live a life of impact and significance… this requires me to make intentional decisions about time and opportunity almost every day of my life.
I believe a life lived in the pursuit of wealth is a temptation and a trap… but choosing to live for greater purposes is something I must do each day.
For you, the examples may be different. But the reality is the same:
We choose our life every day.
Annie Dillard said it this way, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
Some may see this as a burden. Their thinking might go like this, “Oh man, I have to choose a healthy diet again today.”
But seeing our daily choice as a burden is faulty thinking.
Because I get to choose my life every day, it means each day is filled with opportunity. It also means, with each new sunrise, I am provided opportunity to change or redirect course.
When I recognize choosing faithfulness, health, significance, impact, and intentionality is the best thing I can do for my life going forward, it means each day I am presented opportunity to choose the greater good.
Every morning, we get to choose the direction and the habits that lead us to live our best life possible. What a privilege!
What an honor!
What an opportunity!
May we choose the best for ourselves (and others) every single day.
Dear Judy,
As AB has said – take it one day at a time. Not only that, but if I may add – even one hour, or five minutes, or even ONE minute at a time. If that is all you can manage at present! You are SURVIVING! That is what counts. Remember this.
I have been where you are. When you wrote in your post about being soooo tired that you cannot even think beyond simple survival. This resonates with me very much. You are correct, there are some days (in my case many days) we have no choice but we survive. May I share a small suggestion with you that I find is helpful to me?
I am disabled since birth (now age 57). Mostly home bound and I use a wheelchair. Also have several chronic illnesses. There are many days where I am weak and worn out, feeling like I can’t go on for one second more. That is when I tell myself – ‘just do the next right thing”. The next right thing might only be something as simple as – eat when you’re hungry. Drink when you’re thirsty. Rest (SLEEP!! it’s a CRUCIAL thing) when you’re tired. Keep breathing. I think you get the idea. This is how you get through “survival” mode. At least it is for me.
I hope that things will get better for you soon. Please don’t give up. You can survive this, God willing. It CAN get better. And even if it takes a LONG time, please be gentle with yourself. It does absolutely no earthly good to agonize over things and beat yourself up. Yet this is what we do! Because we are human! And we are sooo tired of our suffering.These are things I’ve had to learn on my own, as I have no family or friends who I can turn to for support. I am STILL learning! Still trying to Do The Next Right Thing, every day.
Sending blessings to you. Love and Encouragement. From one Exhausted Fellow Sufferer to Another. We live in strange and trying times. Praying we ALL will survive these days, God Willing.
This article is everything that I am choosing to do. Wondering if you’ve noticed how family/friends get offended when you start prioritizing your own life? Or setting boundaries for their behavior/abuse/narcissism? When you minimalize your life, and you want only positive in your world, you become a target for negative people, Any thoughts on this? The death of a family member was a ‘true color’ exposer this last year.
This article speaks to my soul!! YES, YES, YES!! Sunrise is my favorite part of the day and this article articulates exactly why. The priorities outlined completely align with those that are important in my life. Thank you!!
Amazing, amazing article as well as on UTube. Josh, what you and your family are doing to make a difference to better this world, kudos. This particular video/article resonates deeply the true meaning of what matters, and convictions. Thank you many times over for your steadfast passion on doing what is right. Blessings.
Love this article!
Choosing every day to live a positive life, full of love and Jesus!
Happy 20th Joshua & Kim ❤️
Great article Joshua. I love that Annie Dillard quote. It’s the seemingly inconsequential decisions we make on a daily basis that compound to shape our lives. Thanks for the timely reminder :)
Well said!
Best post to date. Thank you for sharing. God bless you on this journey.
Thank you for your wise words.
I’am day.by day ,hour by hour making my life , intention of love and light
One year ago, I googled minimalism, because my family had been referring to me as a minimalist for a long time. I wanted to know what they meant. I came across the becomingminimalist blog, finally felt like I belonged, and have been hooked ever since. Each week, I highly anticipate my Joshua Becker emails. The articles hit home every single time. This one, in particular, as I am 14 weeks postpartum, has greatly blessed me! I truly understand what it means to choose this day, Whom I will serve…now I get it, because of your message. Thank you for this Daily Bread.
This is such a beautiful piece. It is so awesome to see how God has used this passion in you to help and serve others. –I bet you and Kim could have never dreamed of this 20 years ago! –A purpose-driven life–bloom where you are planted! –Thanks so much and congratulations!
Each new day we are born again!
I loved this.. I am struggling with things in my life right now. I thank you for your willingness to share and be honest and share your truths
Such great wisdom and truth. Thank you for sharing this with me. The pursuit of meaning and purpose: that’s what I want my life to be about.
perfection. thank you for sharing.
One of the most profound pieces of advice I ever heard was delivered at a wedding shower when a guest told the bride “Happily Ever After is not a fairy tale – it is a choice you make everyday”.
This is the advice we give newlyweds when asked about our 36 years together…it is a choice you make every.single.day.
This is one of your very best articles Joshua.
Thank you for sharing.
Living in the moment. Being present. Trusting God to do what He does best. All of your points were excellent. Simple. Excellent. Thank you.
Such a beautiful reminder and so well written! thank you Joshua, I needed to read this today! :)
Really enjoyed this article! I find that writing my life’s priorities and visiting them often will set the ground for the decisions I make every single day. I try to simplify my life every single day. Thank you for sharing!
So beautifully written. I have saved this and will refer to it often. You are a wonderful inspiration for people who want to live this way. Thank you so very much!
Right on point! I love the positive outlook on the life we choose everyday! I often need a reminder and encouragement along the way and this is so direct and well written!
Wow! What an absolutely beautiful reminder! Thanks so this today!
I enjoy your commentaries. I say…
Acquire only that what you need, not what you greed.
It is our need to know that ….our intent supersedes all processes and results/products.
Being a love-based Christian demarks the most important wrestling match before each of us.
I CHOSE to read this post…
So glad I did!
Excellent article
Thank you!