Hard, Easy or Easy, Hard

I had a life-conversation with my teenage daughter Emmy not too long ago concerning "daily choices". We concluded together that a person could choose one of two routes: one can make hard decisions that brings about easy results, OR, one can make easy decisions that bring about hard results. Let me expalin with three practical examples.

It's hard for my daughter, and any teenager, to choose to go against the fast flowing stream of culture. It's hard not to gossip; it's hard not to dress a certain way; it's hard not to plow forward with self as the center. But if these hard choices are made, then the easy comes: relational conflict is absent; she knows she is liked because of who she is, not what she wears; and her heart is peaceful in giving love away, rather than insecure in trying to gain it.

Likewise, and very practically, our black lab named Sarge has bad ears that need constant medicinal care. Well, it's easy to forget or ignore this inconvient responsiblity. However, with this easy neglet, the hard results follow: red, painful, itchy ears. But if we choose the hard thing, and take the time to apply the medicine, Sarge enjoys the ease of relieved and healthy ears.

And finally, as a wife, it's sometimes really hardto follow biblical principles. It's hard to respect; it's hard to have a gentle and quiet spirit; it's hard to be a helpmate. BUT, I have experienced for 22 years "the easy" when I make the determined choice to do these things that God has put in His word. When I respect, it gives my husband a chance to lead; when I choose to be gentle and quiet, a relational peace permiates our home; and when I help my husband, I experience a beautiful God-designed purpose.

Choosing God's way is truly choosing the hard way, because we humans are so selfish...we want what we want when we want it! The good news is that we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who is always waiting to work in and through us...for our good. If we choose to fight the sin of self promotion by digging into His word, trusting it fully, and then obeying it completely, then God does promise an easier path for us, even in the midst of predetermined trials.

Here Jesus say these words directly to you:

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened (hard), and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, and I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

I will continue to encourage my daughter to make the hard choice of resisting temptations in each present moment, so she can then experience the sweet and peaceful presence of her Lord Jesus...His way, in the long run (hard), is easier.