Nary a day goes by we aren’t presented with a problem. Or two or three. When the answer or resolution seems obvious, we act and move on.
Then there are the other kind. For all intent and purpose the difficulty at hand may be as threatening as a horizon filled with black roils of thunderclouds. Our brain swirls, our thoughts whirl, our emotions rumble and roar. And yet, aware we could make a foolish decision, we rush ahead anyway. Why? For many of us, we don’t like to live in a state of unknowing. The emotional, intellectual, and physical tension can be nearly unbearable.
What if one tried and true approach could help us with our mental muddles? What if we made the choice that apart from a matter of life and death, we would let things settle long enough to discern the one next step?
When you look at the benefits of problem solving one step at a time, you begin to see why the practice can become a meaningful approach to the challenges life throws at us.
For example:
Your older vehicle sits in the repair shop, again.  You could rush off to the dealership and try to wrangle a deal on a new or used one and be done with it. Or, you could try the one step approach which might include: a] see if you can get a ride with someone until you figure out the best course of action, b] determine exactly what it’s worth in its current condition, c] research the cost of the repairs, d] research the cost of a newer model, or, d] do a thorough evaluation of your finances. With this information in hand you are now in a much better position to make a decision.
This process is also helpful when it comes to people and relationships. How many of us have mumbled and rushed to defend ourselves or demand immediate resolution to an unpleasant situation? Awash in hurt feelings and yucky emotions, we forget that it would likely be a gift to the other person and ourselves to take several deep breaths and then consider one simple step.
To take time to examine the challenge before us doesn’t necessarily mean we move at a snail’s pace. [Although admittedly, the snail does eventually get to its destination.]
What it does mean is when we allow time for prayer, consult respected mentors or spiritual counselors, and listen to our heads in harmony with our hearts, we will likely have a healthier, more joy-filled outcome. And we won’t be making a new problem or a bigger mess than the one we began with.
As adult Christians we know we have a responsibility to make wise decisions and take action with compassion and kindness. Maybe that explains why there’s no mention anywhere in Scripture of Jesus running to, or away, from the experiences of his daily life, and he had some whoppers, by any description.
Do I want answers sooner rather later? Why?
How do I feel when I can’t solve a problem in a time frame I think is appropriate?
Can I live with emotional, intellectual, or physical tension until an issue is resolved?
