Choosing Love in Impossible Choices
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
• • •
Two friends were caught in a storm while hiking in the mountains. They came upon a fork in the trail as the wind howled and snow began to fall. One path led up the mountain, but it was exposed to the storm’s full force. The other path led down to a valley, where an icy river had flooded the trail. Neither choice was safe. They stood there, cold and scared, debating which way to go.
Finally, one friend said, “Let’s choose the path where we’ll stay together. No matter what happens, we won’t leave each other behind.” They chose the valley path, braving the icy river. They worked together, carefully crossing, encouraging one another, and finally reaching safety. The decision wasn’t without risk, but it was made in love—choosing connection and care over fear or isolation.
Life often places us at forks in the road where no option feels perfect. These moments of impossible choices test us. We weigh risks and outcomes, knowing that neither path will be easy. It’s tempting to get stuck in indecision, paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. But Scripture reminds us that love is the foundation of our decisions. “The greatest of these is love,” Paul writes, because love gives us the courage to move forward, trusting that God’s presence will sustain us.
Love doesn’t mean we will always make the “right” choice in human terms. It means we choose with intention, guided by compassion, care, and connection. It means we prioritize what will bring healing and wholeness, even if the path is difficult. As the hikers chose to stay together, love calls us to prioritize relationships, to act for the good of others, and to trust that even imperfect decisions can be redeemed by grace.
If you’re facing an impossible choice, remember that Love doesn’t ask for perfection—Love asks for faithfulness. When you let love guide you, you are already on holy ground. Take heart, knowing that love, even in uncertainty, leads us closer to the Sacred and to one another.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Have you ever faced an impossible choice? How did you make your decision?
How might asking, “What would love have me do?” shift the way you approach difficult decisions?
What practices can help you stay grounded in love when life feels overwhelming?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Difficult Choices
God of Infinite Wisdom,
You know the weight of the choices we carry.
In moments of uncertainty, help us to pause and seek Your guidance.
Teach us to choose love, even when the path is unclear.
Give us the courage to act with integrity,
The wisdom to trust in Your presence,
And the grace to offer ourselves and others compassion.
May our decisions reflect Your love and bring healing to the world.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Discernment Through Love
Reflect on a decision you are facing, no matter how small. Before choosing, take a moment to breathe deeply and ask, “What would Love have me do?”
Consider how your choice might foster connection, care, or healing. Write down your reflections and pray for guidance. When you’ve made your choice, hold it in prayer, trusting that grace is present in your decision and its outcomes.
Let this practice remind you that love, not perfection, is the truest measure of faithful decision-making. Trust that even in difficult moments, Eternal Love is with you, guiding you toward wholeness.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.