I woke up this morning to a note from. A friend had asked for my advice. As we talked, I outlined a way of thinking about options A, B, and C. There are always three options, maybe more! The only firm advice was to make sure you knew the three. If you could only see two, find the third.
Today’s note was that Option A had come through and he was going to say yes. He appreciated my advice and wanted to make sure I had heard a “thank-you”. Even as I listened to his words, I wondered if he had listened to everything that I had said. I had been left with the impression that he had, however now I began to wonder. My advice on top of early words was direct. Pause, reflect, and assess your sense of comfort and hope. Is it there?
The world is filled with advice. I find myself listening to the following reminders.
It is good to seek, listen to, and reflect on wisdom. Each piece of advice is a gift from another.
When listening to advice, listen to the full story. It is far to easy to jump forward, thinking that one knows and understands. Paul’s old advice is part of a greater piece. “I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married.” (1 Corinthians 7.8) It is important to hear it all.
Be responsible for your decision. As good as advice is, it is not a substitute for making a decision in the context of freedom. We are accountable and responsible for what we do.
Even with the best of advice, decisions are rarely perfect. Life is not about perfection; it is about living engaged, learning, and growth.
Stay in the present. The past it just that, passed. The future is filled with possibilities. The present is where everything happens.
Time to live.
