Ditson-McCall We have so many choices today. From the moment we wake, until we go to sleep, our day is filled with choices.

When I was young, there were only three or possibly four television channels to watch...and even harder for young people today to believe is that at midnight all of those channels went off the air!

Today, most homes have at least 20 or more channels. Amazingly, even with 60 channels, I can seldom find but one or two programs in an evening worth watching.

We all have so many decisions to make each day, but I worry about our young ones. The children today are expected to make so many choices on a daily basis. Even something as simple as what to wear is difficult with a closet full of clothing or each morning what cereal to eat.

To add to the dilemma, advertisers are always doing their best to lure us toward their products. New and improved...well if not the product the packaging. Each aisle in the grocery store has product after product which are essentially the same; we only have to choose which one to purchase. Do I base my decision on price, or brand name...maybe the packaging or the promises the manufacturer makes? Is it any wonder we live in a world most describe as stressed out and over extended?

Sometime back, a mother of three shared with me that meal time in their home was taking it's toll on her. She shared that often times she prepared several different items in order for everyone to get what they liked. It was easy for me to jump in with my words of wisdom which also, I must confess, had a tone of judgment. That, however, was not going to help her situation. She needed comforted, not criticized. Her goal was like that of all mothers, to provide for her family. Unfortunately, her family thought their kitchen was a restaurant, complete with an extensive menu.

As Christians we feel we have chosen to follow Jesus. John 15:16 tells us differently. Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you."

I don't know about you, but I am relieved. Even though I "choose" to follow Jesus by confession of faith and baptism, Jesus had already chosen me! Alleluia! One less decision to make! When looking at the whole of the 15th Chapter of John...Jesus has one simple request: love one another, as I have loved you. And when we choose to live our lives, grounded in the knowledge that Jesus loves us, chooses us...when we grow in the freedom of knowing we are loved and treasured, we then also grow in strength and wisdom. Then, our choices become not about what is best for me...but what is best for others.

What will you choose?

Pamela Ditson-McCall is pastor of the Flora First Christian Church.