In First Things First, bestselling author Steven Covey devotes an entire chapter to the important subject of "Integrity in the Moment of Choice".
In it he writes, "A moment of choice is a moment of truth. It's the testing point of our character and competence". After listing some of the factors affecting us in the moment of choice he goes on, "With all these factors acting on us, it's important to remember that a moment of choice is just that - a moment of choice. Whether we react automatically to one or more of these influences, empower circumstances or other people to control us, or use our human endowments to make a conscious, conscience-directed decision - it's our choice".
First Things First is a book for adults.
Oh No, George makes some of the same points in a presentation that's fun filled and kid friendly.
George is some form of generic hound dog. He has a huge snout, long, droopy ears, and large expressive eyes. On the frontispiece he is pictured in that most pooch like of poses; asleep, on his back, belly exposed, paws lifted into the air. Then the action gets underway...
Harry, George's owner, is leaving the house. As he leaves he exhorts George to good behavior in his absence.
Closing his eyes in innocence, George answers, "I'll be very good". Everything about his appearance underscores that this indeed is his intention.
Absent his master's stabilizing presence however, George is presented with a series of tough temptations (eating cake, chasing the cat, digging up the garden). Each time the narrator asks the question, "What will George do?" And each time our canine hero is pictured struggling with the choice of immediate gratification or honoring his promise to behave. The difficulty of this moment of consciousness is conveyed by the imagery: ears outstretched, eyes wide open looking like he is about to be hit by a truck.
And each time he falls we hear the words "Oh no, George!"
Harry returns, George is filled with remorse, and the rest of the story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.
While lots of fun to read, Oh No, George makes an evocative point as to an essential life skill that's too often learned too late.
It's a really excellent book.