Well now.....good intentions met procrastination this week, and I proved to be a rather ungrateful person, at least according to my blog series. Ha-ha. I have been thinking about a few things though, and tonight I want to write up some brief thoughts and gratitude concerning them.
I know that not all teenagers are expected to clean the kitchen at least once, normally twice a day, complete a few assigned chores, and help with cooking and other cleaning regularly. I'm thankful for the unique position of responsibility I'm placed in as the oldest kid in a large family. I've been tempted recently to complain about the "load" that I think I carry, and the few things that I do to help run our house and keep my own stuff tidy. But it's not drudgery. The little list is completely acceptable and appropriate. Responsibilities are something I'm grateful for, because they teach long term lessons, and allow me to make wise or lazy decisions about how I deal with them.
Now, what about the other header to this post, 'choices'? This past Saturday was an event that I'd been looking forward to for many weeks. The first tournament of the year in NCFCA! While it was a one day practice event, I was so happy to get to deliver some impromptu and apologetics speeches and visit with some friends I hadn't seen in months. One of the impromptu topics I drew was the following quote: "To say you have no choice is to relieve yourself of responsibility." - Patrick Ness. As I prepared the topic and delivered on it, I continued to think about the truth within it. We do have choices, and when we make them, good or bad, we are responsible for the results. If I get out of a situation the easy way by begging that I had no choice in the matter, it simply shows that I lack the courage and determination to do the right thing and take responsibility.
This week I have been trying to view my responsibilities and choices in a different light. A thankful light. A careful light. And a determined light. I want to fulfill what is required of me joyfully, and also own up to whatever the consequences of my actions may be.
I hope that made a little bit of sense. :-)
Smiles,
Kaitlyn
I know that not all teenagers are expected to clean the kitchen at least once, normally twice a day, complete a few assigned chores, and help with cooking and other cleaning regularly. I'm thankful for the unique position of responsibility I'm placed in as the oldest kid in a large family. I've been tempted recently to complain about the "load" that I think I carry, and the few things that I do to help run our house and keep my own stuff tidy. But it's not drudgery. The little list is completely acceptable and appropriate. Responsibilities are something I'm grateful for, because they teach long term lessons, and allow me to make wise or lazy decisions about how I deal with them.
Now, what about the other header to this post, 'choices'? This past Saturday was an event that I'd been looking forward to for many weeks. The first tournament of the year in NCFCA! While it was a one day practice event, I was so happy to get to deliver some impromptu and apologetics speeches and visit with some friends I hadn't seen in months. One of the impromptu topics I drew was the following quote: "To say you have no choice is to relieve yourself of responsibility." - Patrick Ness. As I prepared the topic and delivered on it, I continued to think about the truth within it. We do have choices, and when we make them, good or bad, we are responsible for the results. If I get out of a situation the easy way by begging that I had no choice in the matter, it simply shows that I lack the courage and determination to do the right thing and take responsibility.
This week I have been trying to view my responsibilities and choices in a different light. A thankful light. A careful light. And a determined light. I want to fulfill what is required of me joyfully, and also own up to whatever the consequences of my actions may be.
I hope that made a little bit of sense. :-)
Smiles,
Kaitlyn