I went to the movies with my daughter, Andrea, the other day.  It was a fabulous, romantic, thoughtful, hopeful, full-of-emotion love story mingled with much sadness and some tough realities of life.  Just like “real life,” to me.

My husband and I have an ever-growing love. We enjoy this fabulous mortal journey together, knowing that we have the promise of the eternities.  There is also tough stuff that pops its head as we journey along.  The hope of the gospel plan gets us through the harsh trials as it gives us joy, even in the darker moments. We are working on making every single choice count to our good.

I cannot imagine life without my companion.  The promise of life eternal is a reality I want to work for. And I realize that we are getting there one choice at a time.

When we came out of that theater, both Andrea and I were quiet and contemplative.  It almost seemed as if we needed our own space in order to think through the message we had sensed in the movie, and some time to ponder the blessings of every single day. Even every single moment. Every single choice.

Perhaps we are doubly tender at this time, because we just lost a sweet little neighbor girl whose heart gave out. With the best and most loving of care, her good parents had to say goodbye to their almost-eight-year-old for now. Their hearts will feel a void until the day they are reunited with her. That promise, I feel sure, is what will keep them “keeping on.”

Some of you have had to deal with the death of a child or a spouse.  Many of us have dealt with the death of a parent and/or grandparent. We’ve dealt with financial problems, divorce, and the struggles of a family member in the throes of making very poor choices.  We have dealt with sickness and with other tests that allow us to bend to the Father’s will.

We have also felt wonder and delight, and been able to take in a deep, peaceful breath. We have seen quiet joys and shared silly, fun times.

During this entire journey, how do we sit relative to our choices of action, response, words, and even thoughts? Are we getting better as we go?

Since every one of us has no idea exactly what the future holds for us, what issues will arise, or when our turn to leave this frail existence will come, it seems healthy to make some decisions concerning our choices.  I, for one, am studying in my mind — once again — the answers to a few questions:

1.  Will this decision make me a better person?
2.  Will it increase my standing before my Father in Heaven?
3.  Will it bring more joy to those I love?
4.  Will it offer hope instead of doubt?
5.  Will it give me peace?
6.  Will I feel glad that I made this choice next week, or next year?
7.  Will this choice help me grow in self-control?
8.  Is this choice being made based upon emotional reaction or affirmative action?

There are lots of other questions I could ask of myself. Simply by making a conscious choice to ponder over my choices, I hope to keep increasing in my ability to choose more wisely.  Does that make sense?

If we are creatures of habit (and we are), and it takes three weeks to allow a new action or process to become a habit (which, based upon scientific research, it does), then if I keep asking these questions, it will become a habit to quickly — in the blink of an eye — go through these self-queries before I say or do something that I may regret. 

I want to savor each day I’m given.  I want to better show my gratitude to our God for the life I have. I want to do away with any foolish or weary thought that crosses my mind; and to be steady in my joy for mortality — and the people I get to share it with. 

What I want and what I accomplish will not be congruent all of the time. Thankfully, I have a Savior who will lift me up each time I stumble. With Him, I can continue to improve in my every-single-minute choices. Those that my family and friends are aware of, and those that are between me and my Father in heaven. 

We are in the business of continual growth and eternal exaltation. I am hoping to keep getting better.  The choice is mine.  I am hoping to be better, one choice at a time.