Life as choice rather than habit

Alicia, a blind girl, feels Ben's craggy face.

Alicia: (sympathetically) So sad.
Ben doesn't react but continues with hangdog expression.
Alicia: (reassuringly) Hey. Being different isn't always a bad thing.
Ben: Trust me. This ain't one of them times.
Alicia looks disappointed.
Alicia: Not if you don't want it to be.


This is just one of many recent comments I have heard or read which suggest that life (in this case our attitude regarding our self-image) is more about what we choose rather than what happens to us. This is both true and simplistic. Choosing to change our attitudes, our habits and our lifestyles is within our power, but it is not easy and not a one-off decision. We are creatures of unconscious habit. A good thing too - you couldn't possibly get through the day if every action had to be carefully considered and decided upon. We rely extensively on automatic behaviour when it comes to simple actions like walking or brushing our teeth, or more complex activities like driving or writing sermons. Having such a propensity for unconscious action makes changing our habits difficult. Often we don't even recognise that they ought to be changed.

This is where the Spirit can help. He guides, provokes and prompts us when it is time to change. He strengthens our will-power to make the right choices.

One of my ingrained habits is that when faced with a fairly clear diary (as today for example), I tend to potter about doing little bits here and there rather than tackle the major jobs. And it's not uncommon (as with yesterday late afternoon for example) for this pottering to have far more to do with idle personal amusement than Christian ministry. So my conscious choice for today is: Get on with the three big tasks, namely preparing a thorough agenda for Sunday afternoon's joint circuit staff and stewards meeting; preparing two services for Sunday; considering and clarifying my ideas about the future of the Mission committee ready to present to them tonight. The shorter tasks can wait until these three are finished.