As a call went long, I found myself wrestling with choices. The topics were important, yet I knew with certainty that we were still in the discussion phase. Bilaterally, I was confident everyone on the call knew my positions. With this instance, the right decision was to listen, to not take a call on the range of subjects being discussed.
Knowing the right time to take a call can be a challenge. Taking it too early inevitably leads to one of two outcomes. In one outcome, I find myself second guessing the decision, wondering if I was so impatient that I ignored critical insights which could have influenced my decision. In the second scenario, someone seconds guesses us, usually with the benefit of hindsight.
The lessons of age and Life include the following.
Decisions are often made before we realize we have taken the call. Some studies suggest that even in the decisions of the moment, our bodies have taken a decision before one’s mind is informed. Being aware of this is a reminder of the importance which comes as I choose which books to read, movies to watch and experiences to be had, all part of feeding my soul and informing my values and priorities.
Decisions which lack care and kindness are almost always wrong. One could make an argument that filling the parking meter when one parks is a decision which does not require care and kindness. I would take a different view. A parking meter decision is a commentary on the respect and value I place on my community. There are many decisions where the care and kindness answer is difficult, and yet it is those decisions which define the life we lead.
Calls must be taken in the good versus evil battles of our lives. One cannot, should not avoid these decision points. Old examples will replay themselves, “God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.” (Psalm 147.6). The reminder, even here, is that love means doing the right thing, even when it is hard.
