The world is full of choices. When we go to the grocery store we have to choose between an almost endless selection of brand names, products and caloric alternatives. At any of the local coffee houses, the choices are almost as endless: two pumps syrup, vanilla, caramel, mocha, whipped, skinny, extra shots, decaf, regular, tall, grande or venti. (No wonder there’s always a line to order. It takes a while to sort it all out.) There are choices at the multiplex theaters, too. Which movie at what time in which of the 16 or more theaters should I attend? With cable TV or satellite, a person has the choice of more than 200 television channels to watch and on our computers the choices are nearly as endless.

This time of year is a season of graduations. A friend posted a picture of his 4-year-old daughter who, decked out in cap and gown, was graduating from preschool. For graduates of high school and college, this time of year represents a time of epic change and life-determining choices. For many, the choice of a college or job to accept has been made. But for others, choices loom before them.

Graduation is not so much the completion of something as it is the transition to new, bright, important things. Adventure and challenge loom ahead. It is somewhat like standing at a crossroads, where direction arrows to different destinations point. At the conclusion of the movie, “Castaway,” Tom Hanks’ character stands at a crossroads representing the renewed life he has before him.  He has to make a decision if he will move ahead in life or return to the past.

The great American author and poet Robert Frost wrote these lines:

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

The Hebrew people stood on the verge of Jordan’s banks, ready to cross over into the land God had promised and this word came to them. “I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30: 19, 20 The Message).

For those who are celebrating huge milestones and life-changing decisions, that same message is relevant today. Choose life; choose the life God has for you. It is a life of meaning, fulfillment, and true joy that will under-gird every other choice you make. It gives you a foundation for the rest of your life wherever you go or whatever you do.

So, to graduating seniors I add my name to the list of those who want to congratulate you on your accomplishments to date. You have done well. But now the choices are greater and carry more impact. Choose wisely. Choose life and love God.