While our daughter and son-in-law were away for a week, my husband, Clay, and I cared for our granddaughters. Around the fifth day of their stay, we planned to take them to the splash pad after supper.
It was a hot humid summer day, perfect for taking 3½ and 1½ year old girls to frolic in the water to wear them out. That evening, the air temperature was not the only thing heating up.
There was an internal storm brewing inside our 3½ year old granddaughter. For reasons still unknown, our otherwise smiley, happy, carefree grandchild became agitated. Her emotional temperature was quickly rising.
Without notice, like a bolt of lightning from a far-off storm, she caught me off guard.
Suddenly, she started announcing she was not going to the splash pad. She insisted on changing into her clothes. I told her that was her choice. I tried to calm her down and persuade her we were going to have fun, hoping she would change course.
As I continued to get her little sister ready, Ruby persisted with her declaration to exercise her independence. Despite my best effort to find out what was wrong and change her mind, she did exactly as she said she would. She changed out of her swimsuit, then went outside. I took a moment to take inventory of my options and the ramifications of them before I made my next move.
As painful as the decision was, I concluded it would be best if I went ahead with my original plan. I informed Clay of what had taken place to this point and that I would be leaving with Dahlia. Sadly, Ruby would be left behind, as she wished.
On the way to the car, I pleasantly bid Ruby goodbye and informed her Dahlia and I were leaving. I did not display any anger about her choice, but inside I was sad indeed. I smiled and told her to have fun with Grandpa. The look on her face as she was swinging was absolute shock and dismay. I don’t think she expected me to follow through with my plans.
As I put Dahlia in the car, it was seconds before Ruby was hugging my leg in despair. Clay lovingly collected her and reminded her she was the one who told Grandma she wasn’t going. He informed her, words have meaning and that she made her choice. Yes, I did the most loving and impactful thing I could, I drove away without her. I allowed her to feel the consequence of her choice in hopes of shaping her future decisions.
When we got home, Dahlia and I found Ruby in the kitchen. She asked if we went to the splash pad and I said yes. I expressed I wished she had come with us and that we missed her.
Amazingly, she responded, “It’s ok Grandma. It wasn’t your fault. I was the one who said I wasn’t going and changed my clothes.” I was greatly pleased at her reflection on the situation and her ability to learn from her mistake.
I asked her if that was a happy choice or a sad choice. “It was a sad choice,” she replied.
Then I asked, “The next time I want to take you to the splash pad or do something fun, are you going to make a happy choice or a sad choice?” Quickly, she answered, “I am going to make a happy choice!”
I took it a step further. I let Ruby know her decision not to go to the splash pad was hers, but Dahlia had not made that choice.
Just because she was not convinced to join us did not mean I was going to change the plan, denying Dahlia the opportunity. While we make our own choices, we must also live with them.
The next day, when I extended another invitation to go to the splash pad, Ruby accepted.
She was happy and so was I. I was filled with joy watching my grandchildren experience good things. Dahlia was happy too because her sister was next to her.
Our Father in Heaven is calling us to an eternal joy filled life with good things beyond our imagination. He too is blessed when we accept His urgent plea to join Him.
However, for unknown reasons, some will opt out of His good plan and miss the blessing. Thankfully, God is a God of second chances and gives us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes.
Each of us must decide what we will do for ourselves and live by that choice.
God’s word is true; he has told us our options and leaves it at that. What we decide will not alter the plans the Lord has laid out. He will do what he said he will do. Nothing would make him happier, though, than if we would choose His plan for our life.
Because he loves us, he allows us freedom to make a HAPPY CHOICE or SAD CHOICE, either way, it is OUR CHOICE.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way…” Isaiah 53: 6 “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Psalm 145: 8 “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” Proverbs 15:32 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James1:17 “What I (God) have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” Isaiah 46: 11b “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13 “…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life….” Deuteronomy 30: 19b Bollin is the youngest of eight siblings from Pengilly, MN. She serves in her church in several capacities and started writing modern day parables from life experiences about 20 years ago. She decided to share these stories in hopes of encouraging and inspiring others in their faith walk regardless of if they just started their walk or are well into their journey.
