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.
Dayna says
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!
Judy says
Each new day we are born again!
judy lewis says
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
Carole Parks says
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.
Karen says
perfection. thank you for sharing.
Jean says
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”.
Dana says
This is the advice we give newlyweds when asked about our 36 years together…it is a choice you make every.single.day.
Angela says
This is one of your very best articles Joshua.
Thank you for sharing.
Deanna Day Young says
Living in the moment. Being present. Trusting God to do what He does best. All of your points were excellent. Simple. Excellent. Thank you.
Eva says
Such a beautiful reminder and so well written! thank you Joshua, I needed to read this today! :)
Marisel Hernandez says
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!