I remember in elementary school, no matter where the class went, being told to walk down the hallway on the silver line and with my hands behind my back. It was a daily routine, this was the protocol for every student in every grade. From the classroom to the cafeteria, library, or gym, this was the manner in which teachers expected and reminded us to behave. I was an obedient student and never questioned this rule, I always walked down the hallway in the proper manner because it was the right thing to do. However, I remember a time in kindergarten when I was given the option not to and was a little taken aback. I had broken my elbow after falling off of the monkey bars—I know, how embarrassing! Therefore, my entire left arm was in a cast and was permanently bent into an L-shape while it healed. At school the next day, my teacher saw that I had a cast and so when we got ready to go to the library she told me I could be excused from holding my hands behind my back while we walked. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind! I was essentially given a free pass to break the rules, and so my 5-year-old self had to make a decision. The determined little munchkin that I was, I decided that I could still follow the rules while injured and twisted my arm behind my back and locked my fingers together. I was pretty proud that my broken elbow did not hinder me from having proper hallway manners.

Though this analogy may seem juvenile, it can still relate to how we conduct our individual walks with God. The guidelines are not as simple as, "single-file on the silver line and hands behind your back;" however, the Bible does provide instructions on how we should behave while in pursuit of a personal relationship with Christ. Psalm 119:105 explains this precisely, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." And like we had to walk in the proper hallway manner no matter where we went in school, each area of our lives should be Christ-centered, always keeping in mind the purpose He has for us. Of course, this is not always easy. We each lead different lives, filled with various circumstances that consume us and keep us busy, and that's understandable. Like my little broken elbow, situations may be thrown our way that are unexpected and cause us to have to choose how we proceed. Good news! Your life is not defined by the circumstances that you face, but by how you face them. Psalm 25:8 shows another great quality of the Lord, His provision: "The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray." God wants a deep and personal relationship with you, and He is determined to keep pursuing you throughout your life. How amazing is that? He will NEVER give up on you.

You are immensely loved. God knows your situation, and He sees you. I know that we are faced with many decisions in our everyday lives. Choose God, and I promise you will be so blessed and fulfilled!