When to Decide

Yesterday, as on many days, there were assorted treats left on the staff kitchen table for anyone to eat. On this ocassion, the first I remember, there was also a bowl of grapes. Yum!

I also benefitted from my dad's cut cantelope which Stephanie, my co-worker, cut up for him. Whenever dad brings fruit from home, Stephanie cuts it up so he can eat it during his meetings and inevidably I manage to get a bit of it, invited or not. Steph jokes about job security and we laugh but the truth is that Steph is probably the biggest support I have at work because of her willingness to cut dad's fruit and make salads when anybody brings greens from home. Thank you Stephanie!

Back to yesterday.

I was wearing a new suit and didn't want to spill my lunch on it as I often do when I attempt to eat at my desk, so I sat at the dessert-laden table. I was thoroughly enjoying my Turkey/Veggie Lasagna and the converstion with co-workers when one of the pastors came in. He stood at the table and seemed to be staring intently at the hot chili-dark chocolate and brownies with cream cheese icing. I couldn't help but notice and I know this pastors efforts in the past to keep his appetite in check.

"Are you trying to decide whether to go for the desserts or the grapes?" I asked him jokingly.
He smiled and said the most profound thing in response.
"Melissa, I made that choice this morning."

Great answer! I was delighted at the wisdom of his answer and  couldn't help but laugh out loud as I got up from the table.

"I did too!" I exclaimed, "I made that decision on Jan 3rd of this year."

As I cleaned my dishes and went on with my day I felt happy because I truely had decided and having done so for an extended period of time, potential temptations no longer have the power over me that they used to. It made me realize that long term success isn't just what you decide but when you decide!