Choose your friends with caution; plan your future with purpose

Host: The room feels calm, with the evening light casting soft shadows as the world outside gradually quiets down. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful, almost reflective, like a moment for deeper contemplation. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tapping the surface of her mug, her gaze thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, watching the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how much our choices shape the life we live? The friends we surround ourselves with, the plans we make for the future, and the faith we hold onto?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Choices, huh? Yeah, it’s crazy how much they can define where we end up. It’s not just about what we do, but the people we choose to have around us and the beliefs we carry. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Thomas S. Monson said: ‘Choose your friends with caution; plan your future with purpose, and frame your life with faith.’ It made me reflect on how intentional we need to be about the decisions we make—not just about what we do, but who we allow to influence us and the purpose behind our actions.”

Jack: (pauses for a moment, processing her words) “So, he’s saying that we should be deliberate in choosing the people we spend time with, that we need to make sure our goals are driven by purpose, and that faith should be the framework we build our lives around?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Monson is emphasizing that our lives are shaped by the choices we make. If we choose our friends carefully, we surround ourselves with people who lift us up and push us to grow. If we plan our future with purpose, we ensure that our actions align with what truly matters to us. And if we frame our lives with faith, we give ourselves the strength to face challenges and trust that there’s something greater guiding us.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to settle in the room, a quiet reminder of the importance of intentionality in how we live our lives. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he reflects on the idea that the choices we make shape not just our actions, but the very direction of our lives. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a deeper understanding of purpose, faith, and connection.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. It’s not just about what happens to us, it’s about how we intentionally shape our lives—through the people we bring into our circle, the decisions we make about our future, and the faith we hold onto when things get tough.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. It’s about being intentional in how we live—choosing people who encourage us, setting goals that align with our values, and trusting that faith will carry us through when we don’t have all the answers. When we do that, we’re more likely to create a life that feels aligned with who we truly are.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s powerful, isn’t it? How we can shape the direction of our lives with just a few intentional choices. Choosing the right people, making purposeful decisions, and trusting in something greater—it’s a simple, yet profound way to guide ourselves.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, but full of quiet wisdom) “Exactly. And when we live with intention and faith, we not only create the life we want, but we also become the kind of person who inspires others to do the same. It’s about living with purpose, knowing that the choices we make today will shape who we are tomorrow.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as if the conversation has shifted into something more empowering, more aligned with personal growth and purpose. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the power of intentional living. Jeeny watches him, content in the knowledge that creating a life of meaning and purpose begins with the choices we make. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared recognition that the life we build is shaped by the people we surround ourselves with, the goals we set, and the faith we hold onto.