So Many Choices

Did you know our local Baskin and Robbins 31 Flavors ice cream store sells a regular scoop of ice cream for half-price on the last day of the months that have thirty one days? Since our grandchildren were in town on the 31st, I asked if they would like to go get some ice cream. They live overseas and have great tasting ice cream in their country, but they had never been to a Baskin and Robbin 31 Flavors store. They said yes. Ice cream sounded good!

When we walked into the store they were amazed at all the different flavors to choose from. It was very difficult to decide which one to get. The store owner allowed them to sample several different flavors before they made their individual selection. As we sat and ate our ice cream, it was fun to hear how much they each liked their flavor. I enjoyed my usual scoop of chocolate fudge ice cream, too!

One of our jobs as parents is to help our children learn to make good choices. Children are frequently faced with situations that require them to make wise decisions. Peer pressure and popular opinion can lead a child or teen down a dangerous path. It is our job to help them learn how to decide which path to follow.

There are many important choices we make in life. We decide where we will live and who we will marry. We choose our career and what schools our children will attend. I think the most important decision we make is about our faith in God. Joshua told the Israelite people, “Choose today whom you will serve. My family and I have chosen to serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This is one of the most important decisions anyone will make in their life. 

The next time you take your kids or grandkids out for ice cream, don’t worry about the sugar and calories. Look at it as a valuable training experience that will help equip them to make more difficult decisions in the years ahead. They will be glad you did and you will too!