Introduction

Throughout our lives we are faced with decisions/choices. Some of a minor nature, while others are significant. Regardless, every choice we make changes the direction of our lives. If we are to arrive at a favorable outcome that fulfills our true purpose, we must choose wisely. To choose wisely, one’s acquired and usable knowledge, must be directed by right-reason.  If not, we will find ourselves wasting time and energy in an endless game of trial and error with each unnecessary blind turn we take.

At the moment of decision we are at a crossroad. Before wetting our finger and holding it up to determine our choice, by which way the wind is blowing, it would be beneficial to lean forward a bit and take a peek, to get some understanding of what may lie ahead. In this way we will have some basis, through procured information, to make a good and common sense choice.

That choice should primarily be in harmony with our conscience. Perfect choices are unlikely to be the norm, as they are made in an imperfect world. But, the effect that our choice has upon our conscience determines whether we will have to overcome the more difficult roadblocks of our own making, or manageable obstacles that are contrived outside ourselves, including the consequences of Murphy’s Law.

To be at peace as one moves forward, one’s conscience must be uncompromised. The best choices are not made by emotion but by unblemished right reason.

Saint Thomas Moore-when opposing King Henry VIII’s marriage, which was not recognized by the Catholic Church as valid, was encouraged by his comrades at court to go along with them in supporting the marriage for fellowship. His response was: “And when I go to hell for not doing my conscience and you go to heaven for doing yours, will you come with me for fellowship?” And as is known; The price of his soul was the loss of his head.

All of the choices we make in life are not going to determine earthly life or death, as that of Saint Thomas Moore. However, if our physical well-being is not at stake, then our soul’s well-being may. And if we are not simply cradle to grave thinkers-then the choices that influence the state of the soul must be considered in earnest.

In closing, the last sentence of Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” accurately reflects the theme selected; “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”