Life Choices

On Monday I start a new chapter in my career. I am very much looking forward to joining the Alphawave team!

I include a personal note below on life choices leading up to this point. I hope it inspires others as well!

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This is probably not new for anybody, but life is all about choices!

Every single decision we make has consequences, how large or how small that may be.

Sometimes, consecutive decisions lead you along a path that may seem good, especially according to modern day society values. However, when you take time to examine that path and the decisions taken to get there, you start to question the motivations behind them. You investigate the values and the foundations of those decisions, and you may find them lacking substance.

Many a times, the decisions are based on chasing certain ideals or dreams. This may be from pictures in your mind that the world has painted for you. The ideal job, the ideal house, a promotion or a raise; or just keeping up with the Joneses. The problem is that many of those ideals can be elusive and working harder for them does not necessarily mean they get closer.

During 2024 I found myself in such a situation. So much so that my family time was getting less, and my stresses were getting more. I got to the point where I started asking, why? I was putting myself under a false impression that working harder will ultimately be good for my family. However, my family was telling me the exact opposite. Time spent with them would be so much better. They want me, not my career or my position or my title.

I realised it was time for genuine introspection and some life assessment. Sometimes it takes a crisis to force one to take stock and reassess. I came to the conclusion that I was not doing what I was doing for my family, or even necessarily for myself, but for what others were saying I should be doing.

It was time to turn to truth, and as a Christian, the best resource I know for the truth is the Holy Bible. I was reminded of the narrow path and the road less travelled by (Matthew 7:13-14). I was reminded that the best-laid plans often go awry (Proverbs 16:9). I was reminded that challenges are not there to defeat you, but to build your character (Romans 5:3-5). Whether you believe you are a victim of your circumstances or a victor, you are right. You get to decide! You get to make the choice! Nobody else can make it for you!

With lots of prayer backing, I took a firm decision to focus on faith and family first.

This in itself was a huge leap of faith, as I decided to leave academia after 18 years. I received many a confirmation that my decision was the right one. I was also encouraged by a song with the following lyrics “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds my future. I don’t know where the road may go but I know Who makes the way!” (Matthew West).

What I found was absolute truth in the Bible verse of Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.

With each decision which prioritised my faith, it resulted in other things that were given. Time with family started increasing and stress started decreasing. I publicly declared my faith by being baptised in my church. I also firmly decided not to force any work opportunity doors by relying on my own insight but to trust in the Lord (Prov 3:5). All of these steps took humility, integrity, honesty and generosity, and it is not always easy!

The result was a completely different work door that opened that I was certainly not expecting. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. I am so excited and looking forward to this new chapter in both my work and family life.

I can only give thanks and praise to the Lord for directing my steps. He got me back on the path that He wants me to go according to His will. I am extremely grateful for my family and the time I get to spend with them. I am also grateful for my church family at AFM Robertson and their support and prayers.

And I am grateful for the Daily Hope (Rick Warren) messages I listen to during long hours spent on the road, providing wisdom and truth as well as practical advice on life.

Here is looking forward to a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)!

For those whom this message was purposed, may all your choices be based on truth and a solid foundation! Because the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).

God bless.