Day 3

Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Our choices matter because their consequences forever shape our lives as well as the lives of others. When my children were growing up, I would often say to them, "You are free to choose to do anything you want, but you are not free to choose the consequences."

In the midst of the journey through the desert, Moses invites the Israelites to make choices that will lead to life. While they are not in control of what happens to them, they do have control of how they will respond to the events of their lives. The consequences of these choices will ripple throughout their lives and futures.

Lent asks us to examine our choices. In almost every moment of our lives — in our thoughts, our imaginations, our actions, and even our inactions - we make choices that lead either toward life or death. Choosing life involves awareness of those tendencies within us that sabotage our lives and of those that nourish them.

Daily Practice

Make two lists today: "What brings me life?" and "What takes life from me?" Add to the lists throughout the day. At the end of the day, reflect on these two columns and ask God for guidance in choosing life. Give thanks to God for new life that comes through Jesus Christ.