ROBERT L. BENEFIEL was one of the early pastors to do extensive clinical pastoral training after seminary and then carry the spirit and insight of that experience through a lifetime career in parish ministry. His sermon published here was developed in the context of parish work and reflects his integration of both psychological and sociological perspectives in ministry. The Choice Is Always Ours deals with issues of meaning in relation to the experience of being overwhelmed in life. Benefiel deals with the realities involved with success and failure in various life endeavors. He raises questions about the adequacy of investing ourselves in certain strivings and enterprises and then points to the choices, responsibilities, and freedoms Christian faith fosters regardless of outcome in life’s…