Decisions

In recent weeks, we’ve been faced with a challenge unlike most of us have ever had to deal with.  Most of us have never experienced a true pandemic, at least one that has impacted us as directly as the Covid-19 virus.  Hopefully, we’re on the downhill side of the curve, but only time will tell.  Information has often been vague and changes daily.  As expected, many are critical of those in leadership and the issue has created multiple schools of thought about the seriousness of the pandemic and how best to deal with it.  At times, the issue has been polarizing.

Still, many have tried and continue to try to take a more positive view of their current situation.  This is commendable.  We have to approach this and all difficult issues with an attitude that will see us through.  Complaining, in and of itself, does very little.  On the other hand, it is normal and appropriate to ask questions of our leaders.  We are, after all, a free society.

The various “Stay at Home” and “Shelter in Place” orders have restricted many Americans to their individual homes.  Others, in “essential” businesses, have been able to come and go with a little more freedom.  My business falls in that category, so I have been able to work on a daily basis.  As I drive to and from work on almost empty roads, I realize that my burden is less challenging than those whose business have been shut down or whose jobs are on hold until our situation improves.

In some ways, the pandemic has caused to step back just a little and live a simpler life.  Many have learned to do things much like our parents did.  For example, we have learned to prepare meals at home on a regular basis, and carry-out dining has become more of a luxury.  Others have commented on social media and elsewhere that they are enjoying the extra time with family, and want to continue many of the changes they have made on a permanent basis.  Those in school have enjoyed a long break from the daily routine of classes, and many parents have become “home-school” teachers. 

But all of these changes have come at a great cost.  For everyone who is able to enjoy this time at home, someone else owning a small business is struggling.  Some are not sure they will be able to open their doors for business once this is over, due to staggering financial losses.  True, there has been government assistance, but that’s not the same as operating a vibrant, customer-based business.  Hopefully, the assistance and the support of long-time customers will enable most of these small businesses to survive.

We all have learned to deal with this in our own ways.  For many of us, our faith and belief in an all-powerful God has kept us in balance.  We believe that God is in control and that, even in this, He has a purpose.  We many not understand His purpose and plan, but our trust in Him assures us that in the end, that plan will be accomplished and it will be for good.

But, along with the confidence in the wisdom of our Creator, we find ourselves thinking about our lives, and evaluating where we are at this point, and where we are going.  We are confronted with the stark truth that we are not in control of this world, but that we do have a degree of control over how we react and how we live.  This is not unlike the thought process of attending a funeral and realizing that many of the things we considered important are pretty insignificant when viewed through the lens of eternity. 

The last few weeks have been truly been a time of reflection for me as I evaluate where I am in life and where I believe God wants me to be.  It has been a time of asking if I have been honest with myself and others, or have I simply avoided decisions out of concern that others might disapprove? Do I make decisions based on the expectations and beliefs of others?  Have I failed to make certain decisions because I know they will be unpopular? 

And that’s the key word of this entire conversation.  Decisions.  Webster defines decisions as “the act or process of deciding” or more specifically, “a determination arrived at after consideration”.  You may also refer to it as “choices” or some other similar word.  But, bottom line, we are faced with options and we choose one. 

You and I make decisions every day.  Often every hour.  Many of these are simple and insignificant.  “Where will I have lunch today?”  (That one has been simplified by the pandemic.)  “What should I wear today?”  “Which movie will I watch on television tonight?”  I recently made a decision to cut my own hair, since my barber was forced to close for a period.  That decision came with some unfortunate results that are fortunately not permanent.  Other decisions are more complex and difficult, often because they affect other people’s lives, or at least how others may view you.  Concern for others is always a valid consideration in any decision-making process.  We don’t live in a vacuum.  And as John Donne wrote in 1624, “No man is an island, entire of itself.”  So, any decision I make would require the support of my wife and the input of my children.

But, even with the complications that accompany them decisions must be made.  Otherwise, we become pawns of another’s decisions.  We become wandering generalities, limited by those who dare, sometimes gladly, to make decisions for us.  Know this.  Decisions will be made in our lives.  The only question is who will make them.

Pretty serious stuff, huh?  Well, it is.  While the world may not be altered by our decisions, our lives and the lives of those we love may be.  But, while making decisions is a serious undertaking, it is not one that need be void of excitement, and even of joy!  Just the opposite.  As we prayerfully consider our decisions, we find ourselves trusting in the direction that we believe God is leading us and we are able to recapture the passion that comes from a life well-lived life, a life that continues to pursue new challenges, new opportunities, new adventures!

In the book of Numbers, in the Old Testament, God instructed Moses to send out twelve spies to check out the land of Canaan, or the Promised Land.  Ten reported back to Moses that the dangers were too great.  The remaining two, Joshua and Caleb, said “Nonsense.  We can conquer this land!”  You know the story.  The fear and complacency of the ten ruled the day.  A bad decision was made.  Or, as some would say, a decision was avoided.  The result was 40 years of meandering in a wilderness, and a wasted life for the adults of that pilgrimage who never saw what God had in store for them. 

It always seems easier to maintain the status quo. Comfort, at any cost, is the goal of life for many.  So, let me ask you.  Are you on a journey?  Are you making decisions that test you, that test your faith, that test your willingness to pursue what lies before you?  Are you willing to make an unpopular decision when necessary, simply because it is the right decision?  Are you willing to listen to God instead of other voices, many of them well intentioned?  Are you willing to risk a mistake in the pursuit of the life God wants you to live and the plan He has for your life to bring him glory?

Time to be honest.  I’m writing this not to ask you these questions, but to ask myself.  And I have been asking myself, and I think I have the answer.  It was given to me at 4:00 a.m. one morning a week or so back.  I wasn’t given an instruction manual with the steps to follow through with my decisions, but was given the confidence that I won’t have to take those steps alone.  I’m not ready to disclose specifics, because I don’t have any. But I am saying that I am ready to follow through and begin the journey, to be take the first steps in this quest. 

If you are a person of prayer, you know that decisions must be bathed in prayer. Our judgement is often flawed and any decision made without prayer and serious consideration may lead us down the wrong path. We may be simply yielding to a restless spirit.  And restless spirits, in and of themselves, are not to be trusted.  Too often, that makes the decision about us, rather than what is right. It’s not about you, and it’s not about me. If your spirit is restless, or stirred, be as certain as possible that you are not simply reacting.  Take time.  Pray.  Take more time. Pray more.  That’s not an original thought, but it is good advice.

Well, that’s about it.  Sorry to leave you hanging.  That was not my intent. But our time today is not about telling you of my decisions.  It’s about encouraging you, and mainly me, to be willing to make them.  It’s about understanding Who is guiding our life and who is not.  The rest you’ll need to figure out for yourself.  That’s part of the journey.  Part of the trip.  And I love a good trip!

Be safe.  Pray for those who are struggling.  Be blessed.