**The Feast of Choice**

The Feast of Choice

The sun beat down on the Pretoria streets, a familiar, almost oppressive heat. The concrete shimmered, reflecting the harsh light. A few weeks ago, I found myself in a state of restless ambition, caught in a whirlwind of desires. I was at a market – not a physical one, but the marketplace of my own life, brimming with the allure of success, the comfort of security, the enticing whispers of power.

Matthew 6:24, that familiar verse, echoed in my mind. "No one can serve two masters." But I clung to the delusion that I could juggle both: God and...well, me. I volunteered, I attended church, I donated. I felt like I was doing the right things, but something felt hollow, disconnected. My heart was divided. I was constructing a house of aspirations on shifting sand. Each accomplishment felt fragile, threatening to collapse beneath the weight of unfulfilled desires.

Then, a quiet, unexpected nudge. A friend, struggling with a difficult personal challenge, needed help. It wasn’t a glamorous act, no accolades or public recognition followed. But in that moment, the clamor of my own ambitions quieted. In the quiet space created by selfless service, a different voice, a clear, calm voice, spoke.

The market, with all its tempting stalls, remained. Choosing God is not about rejecting the good things in life. It's about prioritising. It's like choosing the best plot of land to build your home. You can't build on multiple plots simultaneously. Choosing God means choosing His unchanging love, the secure foundation that sustains you through storms and rejoices in your sunshine.

Now, the Pretoria sun feels different. It's not oppressive, it's a reminder of God's unwavering presence. My heart is being shaped, my priorities are being refined, but the foundation is now solid. I'm discovering that true abundance is not about acquiring more, but about aligning my life with God's purpose, finding joy in selfless service, and accepting the grace that flows from that choice. It's a journey, a constant choosing, and the beautiful thing is, I get to choose Him every single day. The market is still there, with all its temptations, but now my gaze rests on the unshakable foundation. And I know where to find true, lasting abundance.

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