Hard time deciding between a GSD & a Lab?

[Saddle Sore]

If it is your first dog I would go with a Lab. GSD's are fantastic too but can in some cases be too much dog for a first time owner. There is a reason they are one of the preferred dogs of military and police forces around the world, it is that very reason that they can be too much to handle for many families.
A Lab will still require plenty of training and socialisation but in general would be a little more forgiving of any training errors a new owner may make. Also a black lab or any lab for that matter can be quite a deterrent for any intruders.
If you still would like a GSD I would suggest an adult dog that has already been well socialised or employ a trainer to make sure you end up with the ideal family dog you hope to have.

EDIT: I 100% agree with the previous poster about the breeders and temperament testing. I would also advise that you seek out breeders of show dogs rather than working dogs in both cases as working dogs and show dogs are almost like a different breed entirely.