taking myself there

Last week I was invited to teach about 20 young women the principle of agency and accountability. In my studies I found a quote that said (paraphrasing here) apart from the gift of life itself, the choice to direct your own life is God's greatest gift.

My angle with these young women was to discuss directing our own lives toward positive relationships. To use this great power of choice to serve others. To choose honesty and integrity. To be our best selves.

There will come a day, I told the girls, when I will answer to God for the misuse of my talents. Like the times I have chosen isolation over collaboration, knowing full well that I am a collaborator in my heart. See, we will be accountable for that stuff too.

Free will. What makes us human. Flawed but driven.

10 comments

Melanie Jacobson | August 20, 2012 at 8:47 PM

Bang on the money. Love this.

Barbaloot | August 20, 2012 at 10:12 PM

It's an amazing gift and one I'm not sure I'm always capable of appreciating/utilizing.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | August 20, 2012 at 10:35 PM

I would love to read the entire talk. Sounds like it was perfect.

Jenny Lynn | August 20, 2012 at 11:20 PM

This is a something I was pondering upon a few days ago. Loved this post.

Becca | August 21, 2012 at 6:54 AM

"I will answer to God for the misuse of my talents."
*gulp*

I hear that. Totally.

lesa | August 21, 2012 at 2:28 PM

I gulped too, just like Becca.

I taught five young women on Sunday about self-discipline. Free will was mentioned then too.

Valerie | August 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM

Such a good lesson to learn, and to remember!

wendy | August 24, 2012 at 10:28 AM

Free agency...such a great gift, and yet we (ME) can totally blow it sometimes.

Rachel Cotterill | September 9, 2012 at 4:11 AM

Definitely a good lesson - how much nicer would the world be if everyone made more conscious choices? :-)

Graciesmom | September 17, 2012 at 8:29 AM

Perfectly said. Thanks Karen :)