By the time you read this article, we will have already passed the first day of March. The first two months of 2026 will be behind us, and I will be left to question “where did the time go?”. How could it possibly be March already? Time passes so quickly any more. When I think back on some of the major events in my life, I once again am shocked to think how long it has been since they occurred! It’s been 26 years since the turn of the century and our trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl! Twenty-six years! Unbelievable! In 2000, if I had only known I’d still be alive in 2026, and IU was undefeated and playing in the Rose Bowl, I would have waited for that trip. But it’s impossible to know the future and plan your life according to what you know is to come.
If life were like that, there would be no surprises; nothing that comes as a shock or unexpected turn of events. Your life would be filled with only good decisions, and mistakes would be something with which you are unfamiliar. Boredom would be a big problem, too, because excitement and anticipation would be suppressed or totally absent from your daily emotions. You would have things to look forward to, but not with the same enthusiasm you have for the unknown.
Fortunately, life isn’t like that! Unknowns and unexpecteds occur every day and make our lives interesting and unpredictable. We never know what’s behind the next door, or what may be the possible consequences or outcomes of decisions we make. We make hundreds of decisions every day, some great, some disastrous. But they frame our lives and move our influence in a certain direction. What we choose as our guide for life is the most important decision we make. It directs us on a course of service, sacrifice, compassion, and love, or a downward spiral of despair, disappointment, pessimism, and fear. That decision is so important for us and for the success of our family and personal relationships. We must look in the right places, use the right motives, and seek a spiritual direction for our lives. It will provide us a better life filled with peace, hope, contentment, and happiness.
