We won’t always like the choices we are given. In fact, it might be clearly unfair that we even have to make these decisions. But such is life. Occasionally we’re faced with unfair decisions we cannot avoid. And while there’s a place for anger, we must still learn to play the hand we have been dealt with grace and maturity.
To be sure, many crossroads of decision are the result of our own previous choices for better or worse. As we make good choices, better opportunities are soon on the horizon. On the other hand, like the prodigal son, a series of poor choices might lead us to the proverbial pigsty. Whatever it looks like, in these cases, the decisions we face are completely fair in the sense they’re the fruit from the seeds we’ve previously planted.
But life is not always this straightforward. And sometimes we’re placed in situations due to no fault of our own. For instance, we might decide whether we risk placing our family in financial chaos or stay at a job that’s no longer aligned with our values and beliefs. Or perhaps we’re faced with the decision whether to try to rebuild our marriage or leave after infidelity has been discovered. Likewise, we might be faced with the choice of how to continue living well while also honoring the memory of a loved one who died tragically.
However these might play out, the decisions here are unfair because we’re forced to make a choice in a situation not of our choosing.
Of course, we can be upset in these situations. It’s good to name and acknowledge the injustices we experience. But merely complaining doesn’t change what is. And we must learn to face reality on its own terms even when it seems unfair.
In the end, it’s okay to be angry when you’re dealt an unfair hand in life. But it’s still your hand to play. Humbly accept this with as much grace and maturity as you can muster.
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