Choices

Recently, Jeshua refused to sit on his stroller. He kept wanting to be carried. I feel that this is not helpful for him in the long run. He's not a baby anymore. He can walk.

Today, my wife and I gave him two options: he can choose either to walk or to sit on his stroller.

It is important for us to give a child choices as he grows older. In this manner, we can set a healthy boundary instead of saying "No" all the time. In addition, we are teaching him to make his own decision in life, while guiding him indirectly.

Jeshua was very persistent today. After walking for a distance, he would want Carol to carry. I told him, "Sit on the pram if you don't want to walk. You can choose either one." He continued to walk. This happened for many times. But he chose to walk instead. As a result, he was perspiring all over; he was also tired.

Of course, the choice of sitting on the pram will be perfect for him. He will be able to rest comfortably. Yet he chose an option which made it difficult for himself.

I was waiting for him to choose the better option, but he didn't.

I am reminded of God the Father. He has the best plan in store for us. Yet He gives us many choices in life, because He doesn't force. However, more often than not, we choose our own options rather than His. He is waiting patiently for us to choose His. If we don't, we choose problems for ourselves. He is not the cause. We are.