It’s quiet. It’s early. For the next 12 hours, I’ll be exposed to the day’s demands. It’s now that I must make a choice. And so I choose…

I choose love. I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy.

I choose peace. I will live forgiven.

I choose patience — rather than complain that the wait is too long, I’ll thank God for a moment to pray.

I choose kindness — for that’s how God has treated me.

I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness. Today I’ll keep my promises. My wife will not question my love.

I choose gentleness. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control. I will be impassioned only by my faith and influenced only by God.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When this day is done, I’ll place my head on my pillow and rest.

From When God Whispers Your Name. Used by permission.