As I was sitting in class this week pondering life, a discussion was brought up. "Life is like choosing ice cream", my professor said. As each of us thought about what he had said, the synonymous light bulb went off in each of our brains. In fact, it stayed lit for a while as we not only pondered the validity of this statement, but also the individual implications of this on our lives. If you think of walking into an ice cream shop back in the day, the choices of flavors were much more simple. There was usually chocolate, vanilla and the occasional fresh batch of strawberry. Nowadays, you walk into your local Cold Stone or Baskin Robbins and you’re browsing the aisles of selections in a pacing manner with sampling spoons realizing that you want them all.
Doesn’t that sound like life? We all desire to be happy, successful, loved, and accepted; to make the most of our time here but the ways to satisfy this desire are endless. We each are the little 6-year-old child browsing all the options sampling little tastes here and there of each and no wonder we are confused and indecisive. There are some we can instantly rule out, that leave a bitter taste we never want again but there are others that are all possible contenders and stand equal chance of satisfying our hearts. Which do we pick? What if we pick the wrong one? What if we wait and the options change or they are out of it the next day? To me this sounds like life in a nutshell but what do we do?
I believe it’s circumstantial and comes down to some creativity at the same time. Some moments in life we get to mix flavors. Maybe we take a little sampling of one flavor but alongside it get a baby scoop of the other. Maybe we hang out with one person but also take time to invest in a couple others getting the best of both worlds. Maybe we go on a date with one guy and then the next weekend give another guy a try. Maybe we play with careers by volunteering one day and the next shadowing someone with a different position. In this stage of life, college, it’s okay to take the little samplings of each option, to mix and match and be adventurous with what really makes us content and satisfied. This is the time to do so.
Other moments though the rules of the shop are very simple: no more than one flavor, do not mix, etc. etc. But what do we do when each option is glowing with opportunity and promise but we can have one and only one? Scripture gives a little insight in Proverbs as to what to do. Chapter 3 verse 5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”. It sounds simple but when it comes down to it being caught in the crossroads still is a safe spot because the God of the universe is right there directing the path. It’s a journey but just as any good ice cream manager will steer you with their favorite and be there to guide you in making the tough choice so God is through His word. You have tough decisions, there will be benefits and consequences but you are not left alone in the process of choosing. Have peace and take a deep breath; all will be well. So friends what flavor will you choose today? Rocky Road or Cotton Candy?
