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Your decisions have categories. There are programmed, organizational, routine, tactical, strategic, group, intuitive, minor, opportunity, analytical, financial and individual decisions. This array of categorical decisions, made by the tens of thousands, is woven tightly into the fabric of our relationships, education, career and faith.

Simply put, we are the product of the decisions we make. Indeed, the decisions we make today are going to have a long-term impact on our lives. Furthermore, it is impossible to not decide, for procrastination is nonetheless a decision. In all probability each reader of this column has a time sensitive, major decision at hand. Life can be complicated.

As we continue on our journey through life we are going to be confronted with regret. It is inevitable. Nobody makes perfect decisions 100% of the time.

As a result, the 鈥榳hat ifs鈥� will begin to run on a relentless loop through our mind. We intellectually concede that it is impossible to know the answer to the 鈥渨hat if鈥� questions. However, the fantasy plays out in the recesses of our mind of what 鈥渕ight have been,鈥� if we had only made a different decision. Many people often tell themselves that it would have been better if they had only made the other choice.

What if I had gone to a different school? What if I hadn鈥檛 broken up with that girl? What if I had married this old girlfriend? What if I had taken the other job offer? What if we had stayed together? What if I had stayed in my hometown rather than moving? What if I had only delayed my trip 15 minutes, could I have avoided the accident? What if, what if, what if鈥�

The voice in our head continues to beat the drum of second thoughts and regret. To heighten the aggravation is the realization that nothing can be done to turn back the hands of time and undo a decision made. That opportunity is gone forever. Our mind often tries to convince us that life would have been happier, more successful or fulfilling if only we had made the other choice. But yesterday and its decisions elapsed forever.

The lesson learned is that decisions must be entered into carefully, deliberately and wisely. While nobody knows the future nor can they ascertain absolute conclusions, there can be comprehensive confidence that decisions are smart and confidently selected. Life cannot be lived gazing into the rearview mirror. The 鈥渨hat ifs鈥� only serve to torment our lives lived in the present and confound us when making decisions for the future.

The wise king Solomon instructs his son in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Several principles are shared that will enable him to live a blessed and godly life with the certainty of wise decision making.

First, do the things God blesses. Obey the commandments and precepts and deny yourself of the foolish temptations that lead to heartbreak and misery. Second, get wise counsel. Going to one who has a testimony of faith in God and has been bountifully blessed in his obedience. Third, seek God in prayer and Bible study. God will lead you into the paths of righteousness for His namesake.

How many decisions have you made today? Let us make wise decisions that establish a successful path for our journey. Let us make decisions without regret or the temptation to ask ourselves, 鈥渨hat if?鈥�