By Brenda Cannon Henley
Every single day of our lives we make choices from the time our eyes open and we wake up until we close them again and sleep. We choose to be happy or sad, kind or mean, hurtful or helpful, generous or selfish, intelligent or downright dumb, and the biggie here is not only do our choices affect us, they are a major influence on those with whom we come into contact.

There are so many really good illustrations about choice making that I hesitate to include even one from the list. Because this one from my friend Vicki Campbell spoke to my heart this morning, I am sharing it.

“There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hm…mm..,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “YAY!” she exclaimed. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Even though faced with certain anxiety about her appearance, this woman chose to forge ahead and be happy with what she had. If we as humans could all learn that truth, we would be much happier.

I had been thinking about choices for the better part of a week so this subject was fresh on my heart and mind. An unpleasant memory was shared with me and it brought up hurtful thoughts and it seemingly was done on purpose. I vowed I would not let it get me down and that I would move on with my goals and plans.

I read Scripture and prayed and relied on teaching and past experience to go forward with a great week.

Many years ago in Tennessee, Dr. AL Byers, the general manager of the Sword of the Lord, who was also my adult class Sunday School teacher, taught a lengthy course on the amazing book of Proverbs. Just so happens the book has 31 chapters and thus provides one a day for the serious student. If one applies himself, he can choose to read one chapter each morning to help him make wise choices in life.

I was amazed then and am amazed now how this book of wisdom, with such practical advice and suggested habits for daily living, helped me make good choices. We can learn or be reminded of the supreme influence even our small choices can make in our lives.

In Dr. John R. Rice’s introduction to the Book of Proverbs, he wisely wrote, “Dean Stanley refers to Proverbs as ‘the philosophy of practical life.'” Dr. Rice also referred to the verses as “wisdom literature.”

I suggest you keep a notebook near your Bible and jot down good instruction each day that touches your heart as you read. I re-read notes I made from ten, 15, and 20 years ago. In the margin of my older Bible, even older notes stirred my mind and caused me to remember this book of wisdom that caused me to make better life choices for me and my family. We will talk about these chapters as we read together. Are you willing to be in?

The Book of Proverbs is also excellent fodder as the genesis for family devotions. Join me for a month of dedicated study and let me hear what you have gleaned.

You will see again how very important your choices are and how even the smallest can affect your life and that of your family. Give yourself the benefit of 31 days in this amazing book and choose wisely.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at 409 781 8788, or
[email protected]

[July-6-2021]