Life is full of choices. Making the right decisions, choosing the best path to take, and figuring out what is the best course of action to take can often be quite difficult. However, with a charitable disposition and positive outlook on life, one is assured contentment and reward from the paths they choose to walk.
As children, we form many of our fundamental beliefs about the world as we are presented with various ways of living one’s life. Once we grow older, we can choose to either embrace or reject these beliefs. In many ways, the environment in which we are placed, or in which we place ourselves, shapes the person we become. It shapes the way we make decisions and it creates a foundation from which we judge the rest of the world and our experiences.
However, although the environment we live in affects our lives, we, in turn, can choose how to react to people, places, and situations that arise. We can have a positive impact on our environment by acting upon our reason and the knowledge we gained from experiencing life.
In Claire Berchem’s article, her decision to study abroad is reflected upon, for, the experience she has gained from taking advantage of this opportunity has given her a new look at life. She encourages students to take the same path, for there are some things one truly cannot appreciate without giving them the time they deserve.
Understanding another culture and appreciating its beauty, as well as perceiving the intricacies of its daily life and the history that make it what it is, take time—time that is worth giving—for the experience it gives back.
The decisions we make do not merely affect us, but also those around us. Even little choices or ones that seem mundane and insignificant can have a serious impact on the direction our life takes. The choices we make influence future decisions, and soon we develop habits.
In my article, I discuss the influence that celebrities hold over the lives of modern man. We idolize other humans, as if they were divine beings, which we should all aspire to emulate by imitating their ways of life. Little choices, such as watching T.V. on a regular basis can soon lead to an addiction or obsession with the lives of celebrities. Society is attracted to the glamorized lifestyle of the stars that the media presents, and their actions show this unabashed worshipping of other humans.
With charity and a contrite heart that seeks to do what is right, it is impossible to despair in the choices one has made. When one does something with the right intention, their conscience is at ease and therefore they are filled with a sense of happiness and contentment.
Mr. and Mrs. Busam share the ongoing story of their choice to share their love with each other through marriage. Living for each other and for the children God bestows upon them, they find a purpose in the daily decisions they make to act with charity. The path they have taken is more than a way of life, it is a vocation. It is what they have been called to do and through it they find happiness in serving God with love.
Every choice we make has an affect, whether it be upon us, others, or the world around us. Therefore, as rational beings, we have a responsibility to act according to our nature. In doing so, we must avoid what our feelings tell us. We need and strive to live for the good of all.
Summer is approaching. It is full of opportunities, new paths to take and decisions to make. Now, we only need to use what God has given us and make the best of what life has to offer in the following months and throughout our lives. Using what we have been given wisely will make us happy and bring happiness to those around us.