Last evening, we were talking about the trouble we have with some of our residents. Oftentimes, they just don’t make good decisions.

For their own health, we wish some of our people would limit their intake of soda pop. They just seem to drink excessive amounts with no concern for their kidneys or medication retention. Others can be sick with a cold or suffering from symptoms of COPD and still go out for a smoke in sub-zero temperatures.

It is said and frustrating. I am not saying that, by any means, all of our residents do this, but there are some.

We wish we could limit this, make them stop smoking, or drastically cut their pop intake. However, they have their rights, “they are their own guardians.”

As I was thinking about this on my way to bed after putting in my time as aide and receptionist, it occurred to me that it boils down to free will; it also struck me that I’m not all that different.

I do things that aren’t good for me, too. I don’t always “behave” in my own best interest. I give in to my own whims and desires rather than saying ‘no’ to myself, all too often.

We all have been given the gift of free will. God has so respected and loved us, giving us the ‘right’ to make our own decisions.

If only we would all use this gift more appropriately!