Our choices predict the outcome.

Amy and Arpit took us to this scenic spot, about three hours journey from Shillong, when we visited them in 2009.

I noticed two teenagers angling for fish in the river. One was fishing at a site, where water was flowing down stream with a current. He had not caught any fish for a while and  a visitor told us that the fish will not ordinarily bite the bate in such a current of water. However he also told us that it is more of a thrill to catch fish when there is strong current of water.

The other boy was fishing in another part of the river, where water was relatively still. He had  gathered few fish in his bag, in that short time we were there.

This to me is a good example of choices we are called to make. Both boys came for fishing. They obviously enjoy it. One enjoys the challenge of the current and the other the quieter water. Their intent is to catch fish. One finds the catch and the other has to wait. 

All of us will make choices as we go along, and it is good to make the choice, depending on what we want as the outcome. Whether it is the fun of fishing or it is the catch! 

As I look back, from the time of of being a medical student 45 years back, I realize that, it is necessary to have a focus and direction. It is necessary to revise choices again and again when we have a mission and direction in life. That is how we engage the lessons learned from our choices, for better choices next time.

M.C.Mathew (text and photos)