Whether we like to admit it or not, sometimes the single greatest factor we lean on when a decision is necessary is to focus on time—what will happen now, or later, down the road.
Without a doubt, the aspect of short-term or long-term implications when we are faced with a decision is an important consideration. Maybe not so much for which ice cream cone to choose, or which color shoes to wear to run errands. At the same time, if my child crashes into a tree and falls off their bike, the short or long-term concept goes by the wayside. I had better be prepared to choose and act quickly.
Truth of the matter is our choices and actions do not occur in a vacuum. The outcome will impact others as well as ourselves. You can count on it. Some of that fallout could be painful, intellectually, emotionally, or otherwise. While “discomfort” of some sort may be impossible, or even unhealthy to avoid completely, the best way to make a decision is to first invite God into the process.
Aside from ice cream, shoes, and obvious emergencies, an approach that helps me is to pray as I go about my day. [Contemplative in action.] As Christians say, “give it to God.” And then wait for God to respond, rather than rush into what we think is the best course of action. Easier said than done as most of us are still learning patience. This isn’t about forgoing our personal responsibility. It’s about trusting the Divine to nudge our hearts, minds, and spirits with the inspiration and enlightenment we need to make the best choice we can.
For example . . .
Have a dull toothache? Ignore the pain long enough in an attempt to put off the inevitable and you may end up with a serious infection or worse.
Aware of the discomfort over a misunderstanding with your spouse or a friend? Ignore the nudge to be the one to initiate reconciliation and the relationship may fracture even more.
Unhappy or dissatisfied with your present diet or lifestyle? Ignore the nudge to begin to make certain changes and you may experience serious health issues in the long term.
Oh, the lengths we will go to in an effort to avoid pain or discomfort in the short term in the belief that will somehow eliminate issues in the long-term. Problem is—doesn’t usually work so well. Even as I write this, I am in the discernment process as to what God is speaking to me about some potential doctor appointments that will likely involve several [unpleasant] tests. The concerns in question are not life-threatening, however, will waiting help, or hurt the state of my health?
One may believe this whole idea of decision-making hinges on whether or not we are our own version of a procrastinator. In fact, there’s a great quote that sums up that approach:
“Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.”
Mark Twain
And yet, as people who choose to follow the example of Jesus, we know that time was never an issue for him. He didn’t hurry or rush. He didn’t dawdle or delay. He simply asked God to show him the way, the time, the place. He trusted the Father for all the pertinent details.
Maybe that is why the Divine never hesitates to nudge us. Once. Twice. More often. Softly. A bit louder, or with the occasional shout to get our attention. It’s not about time. It’s about Who we believe has our best interests at heart and is more than willing to share that insight—if only we will ask, wait, and then follow the nudges of the Spirit.
Do I tend to base [non-emergency] decisions on time implications? Why?
How do I feel about first inviting God into my decision-making process?
Can I learn to trust God to show me the way, the time, the place?
