I want to encourage all, especially the youth, to make good and wise choices as you enjoy the summer break.

This is the time of year when many young people find themselves alone with very little supervision. And all of us know the familiar sayings, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” and also, “that trouble is easy to get into and can be very difficult to get out.”

Summer is supposed to be a fun time filled with vacations, pool parties, friends, travel and relaxation. But it only takes one bad decision and all of a sudden we are forced to use this great time of the year for unpleasant circumstances.

I encourage you to use wisdom in your decision making and always consider the consequences of making a bad decision. There are many fun and wholesome activities available in our community today.

We are blessed to live in an area that offers so many fantastic outdoor activities, such as parks, walking and biking paths, fishing, boating, the zoo, the aquarium, the community pool and recreation center. Many of these activities are either free or of little cost to enjoy (bike riding was my favorite as a child). There are also church-related events that can contribute to being able to appreciate how great life can be when we make good choices in life.

And again, I want to emphasize “CHOICES!!”  If you are not involved already, why not give church a try? You may be pleasantly surprised.

Think about it; if we lived in a country where we had to wake up everyday to military vehicles driving up and down our streets. Think about it; if we lived in a country where we had to face the prospect everyday of bombs falling from the sky and destroying our neighborhoods and loved ones. I am so thankful that we live in a country where there are men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line so that we can enjoy the simple pleasures of fishing, bike riding, going to McDonald’s (or even Walmart) or just sitting in the park and enjoying the bright rays of freedom.

Young people, make wise choices and enjoy your summer, as well as, all that a blessed life has to offer.

Pastor Donald August serves at Rising Star Baptist Church of LaPlace. Send him comments at daugust_2000@yahoo.com.