There is an interesting split in my road ahead. If I go down one lane, I can see values and principles at play and on display in the middle of intense challenges. If I go down the other, right now I see survival choices achieving what they do best.
As I consider the different ways I could take a decision, I hear an old Whisper repeating itself. “Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life.” (Psalm 146.3). A friend’s wisdom note builds on this; if you are seeing only two choices, you are not holding a decision, you have a dilemma.
Principles and values are often expressed in black and white. Experience reminds me of the accountability each of us have in our decision making. When we get to the highest values, care, kindness, and love, how we apply the values is living at its best. In my fork dilemma, there are more than two lanes. As I reflect, I can see several more on the left and one obvious one in the middle.
In life’s wonderfully chaotic and complex life, it is easy to fall into the trap of making decisions more complex than they need to be. In choosing my road, above all, choose what is right and avoid doing what I know is wrong. This filter alone eliminates several options which are pragmatically appealing.
I want to see and understand as much as one can. This begins with my acknowledgement of limitation – sight, understanding, ability to execute – and continues with how I deal with the gaps. There is a difference between giving control to others, especially when it comes to action and intent, and the act of working with others, collaborating, and still taking full accountability and responsibility for the choices one makes.
Time unfolds to when a decision needs to be taken. The lesson reminders are – take care of my heart and mind, place myself in the company of others in love with Divinity, and embrace the wisdoms and truths we find.
