The Ability of Choice

I was thinking today about the ability of choice. That might sound funny to a lot of people, especially people who are generally not limited in their choices. Think about some of the seemingly mundane choices you might make. Perhaps you want to take a certain route on the way to work. Other times, you might want to stop and grab something from the grocery store on your way home from church. Even the opportunity to choose where to go out for dinner, attend church, or work are unlimited choices for many people.

But choice is in many ways taken away when we're dealing with disabilities. Shouldn't everyone have the opportunity to choose? Is free choice a fundamental right? I would suggest that it is, because if not, we have a terrible division in society. We reinforce the haves and the have notes when we see limited choices.

Shouldn't I be able to choose to drive the round=about route to work so that I can watch the sunrise over downtown Grand Rapids? Shouldn't I be able to grab a gallon of milk from the store on my way home? Shouldn't I be able to choose whether to buy my clothes at Goodwill or at Macy's, regardless of their proximity to the nearest bus stop? Shouldn't I be able to attend the church I want to regardless of its location? Shouldn't I be able to choose whether to leave at 7:30 or 7:45, choosing my own time within my own schedule?

If you're reading this and think these are silly desires that I should just get over, you're missing the point. Of course, the inability to choose cannot consume my life, or I would be too bitter to change anything. But you can choose all of these things. You have the ability to choose the little things that make you smile, make life more efficient, or just make you feel like you have a sense of dignity. But for many people in our society, this choice is removed.

I don't know the answer. I don't know how to fix this. For me personally, it likely means that I will one day hire a driver or live in a large city (or both) to overcome some of these geographical challenges. But the notion of choice and its importance in one's life remains.

 Still, I will say that the inability to choose, or perhaps we could call it a choice disability, does require me to have some dependence on other people. This might seem difficult to me and burdensome to others in some moments. But it does keep me ever aware of the importance of relationships. This also gives a job to those who have the ability to choose. This is a calling to support those who are limited in their choices by society's structures. Be aware that you are blessed with your given abilities and jump in to help others. Offer a ride to a friend. Be cognizant of barriers. And most of all, care. Actually, honestly, and intentionally let others know that you get it. Be real. Agree that it sucks. Then figure out a solution together.

We are a body of Christ. We are a community. This means we support each other. Not supporting is frankly not an option. It's about diversity and differences. We are called to care for all people. See the limitations. Verbalize the differences. Then love on another.

Sing as one,
SJC