Friday, September 2, 2016

Let's have pie and enchiladas!


    
     I can't stop thinking about Caz's perfect example of Nealie as a 19 year old away at college and asking permission to ride a bike. As parents, we try to teach our children to think critically and make good decisions without asking our advice for every little thing. At least, that's what we are supposed to want for our children. As a helicopter mom, I will be pushing online college pretty hard.
         God wants us to develop discernment and not wrestle with small decisions. In many ways He is a "Love and Logic" parent who let's us reap the consequences of our choices. When I was in college I was introduced to something called the pie theory versus the dot theory. The dot theory means there is a very specific will God has for your life (job, etc). The pie theory states that we can make several choices and still be within God's will. For example, we don't need to worry about which preschool God wants our children in, as long as we use common sense when making such a choice.  The dot theory breeds anxiety about making exactly the right choice and can lead to absurdity, as Caz mentioned. (Which restaurant should we eat at? Caz- next time, go to Serrano's and order enchiladas. You will not be disappointed) The pie theory allows for more than one right choice.
          We still must develop discernment for the hard choices. We must strain to hear God above the noise of every day life. God will give discernment when we ask. We also need to counsel and listen. We are adults, and God has given us freedom to honor Him and others or serve ourselves. This is a large calling. And yet, God also makes all things new. If we have been self-absorbed, made rash decisions or just really stupid decisions, we can change today.
         Let us make choices that will make our Heavenly Father proud.

Beth

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