Life is a series of decisions, a cascade of choices culminating in what becomes our life; the proverbial bed which we have made and now must lie in. I have often said to my congregations, "Your life is the sum total of your choices up to this very moment." If I am correct, there are a couple of sobering thoughts that jump out directly in our faces. First, if my life is indeed the sum total of my choices, that means that the life that I now live is entirely my own doing. The second thought that jumps out at us is if life is the sum total of my choices, then I have the capacity to change my life Yes Now you are on the right track We are the masters of our own destiny. I do not have to stay in a cycle of dysfunction, poverty, or despair. I can choose to overcome my obstacles, improve my state, or change my direction.