Sowing and Reaping

            What seems so simple in nature and in physics is more complex in human behavior, yet just as true. The Law of Life operates just as faithfully as the Law of Gravity or the Law of the Land. “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a lifestyle. Sow a lifestyle, reap a destiny.” A harvest of consequences comes from the grains of our choices and from the choices of our children.

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             A choice today is like a rock tossed in the pond of tomorrow. Its consequences will ripple through future days, months, years, and decades. The best way to avoid the anguish of unwise choices is to ask, “Do I want to experience the consequences this choice will bring?”

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              Some time ago, the media reported the story of a professional football player who was suspended for life because of habitual cocaine use. He had been warned repeatedly to no avail and had brought on himself the untimely end of an impressive and lucrative career. He told reporters, “It is taking sad that I did not take into account the consequences of taking drugs. I did not think about the health problems that would come, the loss of my physical capabilities, the loss of my career, the hardship on my family, and the suffering of my spouse. I just didn’t think about any of the consequences. I just did it because it felt good for the moment.”

              This tragic story is repeated too many times in the lives of people today. They just don’t think about the consequences. They choose to do something that sounds like fun, will provide adventure and excitement, is not hard, and is readily available. Afterward they are surprised at the avalanche of consequences.

             We don’t want our children to suffer the regret and sorrow of the consequences of poor choices. But we must take action – we must teach them to make wise choices from their earliest years and to assume the responsibility for the consequences of each choice. By making wise decisions, they can save themselves much unnecessary pain.