Choices: they last a lifetime

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Randy Kitchens
  • 21st Space Wing chaplain
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --  A number of years ago, as I was sitting in my office on a beautiful sunny afternoon, a young lady entered my office and asked to talk with me. She began to sob as she shared a story all too familiar to me.

Earlier in life, she had made an impulsive choice that impacted her life profoundly. In a weak moment, she made the horrible mistake of having unprotected sex with someone she thought she knew very well. However, she recently received news she was now HIV positive and had contracted AIDS.

As she sat in disbelief, she rocked back and forth in her chair repeating these words over and over: "I can't believe this happened to me."

Let's face it, many of us can relate to her fear, and any of us could find ourselves in a situation where we fail to consider the consequences of our choices.

As we cruise the aisles at the commissary or base exchange, we are confronted with multiple choices. Sometimes we expend a great deal of time and energy as we seek to make the "right" choice. On the other hand, we may find that shopping is so routine we rarely think twice about the choices we make.

We make choices when we visit the ticket office or outdoor recreation. Depending on the choices we make, we may find ourselves in fun and exciting places, or the choices could possibly take us to locations less desirable.

Many of the choices we make are short-term, with minimal consequences. Often, however, the consequences of our choices are long-term and irreversible. How often do we stop and consider the lifelong benefits or consequences of those choices?

When we find something we want, we choose to either purchase it or do without, even if we want it. There is a distinct difference between want and need. If we choose to make a purchase, we then must chose to spend money or use credit for services or products. We have also made a deliberate or impulsive choice. Hopefully, the decision to make the purchase will not adversely affect our life in the long term. But, the fact remains that while choices may seem simple at times, they can actually be very complex and life-altering.

Choices! There are so many choices that can have a significant lifelong effect.

Whether it is finances, relationships, behavior, or how to cope with life, we make choices. Are we making informed decisions, looking at the long-term effect when faced with these choices?

The more information we gather from reliable sources can help us make wiser, better decisions. When faced with making a decision, what information do we use in the process of making the choice?

The Air Force relies upon core values to shape, guide, inform and encourage Airmen in their choices. Do we have personal core values? Our personal core values can significantly aid our choices for a lifetime.

As Airmen, we are representatives of the Air Force, 24/7/365--whether we are in uniform or not. We are our nation's sword, shield, sentry, and avenger at all times. Every choice we make reflects upon the Air Force.

The next time you are faced with a choice, stop and reflect upon the impact it could have on the rest of your life, the impact it could have on your family and the Air Force, and how it would read as a headline on CNN or the Washington Post.

The person in my office at the beginning of this story said that every choice now includes reflecting on decisions where the world would know of her actions. The bottom line is that every choice we make from this point forward should include consideration of the magnitude of its impact upon ourselves and others.