Matt Hazard

Life experiences can really be boiled down to a series of choices. Often we feel like we are exactly on track – where we ought to be. And sometimes the Lord puts a fork in the road that can shape who we are.

Chicken or beef? A common question asked before attending a wedding. Typically an easy choice with no consequence.

Pop or alcohol? A decision that can decide the fate of an evening – to call a taxi or drive. And in some cases, can decide a lot more.

To go or stay home? The weekly occurrence of the mindset that plagues many people in their forties. Granted, this particular decision is given little thought with only the theatrics of entertaining the idea. Let’s be real, it’s always stay home.

Now or later? This one has procrastinators almost always choosing the latter. This one can also be tricky, often leaving one to miss out on a deadline or opportunity. Sometimes this choice can be benign and carry no weight, and other times can have devastating results. Milage may vary.

Last week I was driving home from work while on a call with my mom. We were chatting about visiting Grandpa in the hospital who was on end of life care. I’d had the opportunity to visit a few days prior, but wanted to see him one last time. I had the intention of driving straight there from work, but as I was approaching the turn off, mom had mentioned that dad was going to visit that evening. And there it was, my literal fork in the road. Left, to see Grandpa – or right, to go home and circle back later? I chose to go home, shower, eat and then head back with dad in a few hours. I got the call about an hour later.

All these small decisions inevitably shape us into who we become. Maybe the lesson to take to heart here is make the time to seize just a few more opportunities than the day before.

Dwelling on what could have been is often painful and not very helpful, but sometimes looking back can be productive. If there’s something to be learned, learn from it. If not, perhaps moving forward is best. Grandpa was a a strong man, a man of faith. He dedicated his life to the church as a pastor and was big on building and maintaining strong foundations for relationships to take root. He took pride in maintaining a positive outlook through his faith and learning from the regrets. And like him, that’s exactly what I intend to do as well.

Love you Grandpa. Until we meet again.