Making the Right Decisions

TimeWatch Editorial
November 9, 2015

It is truly amazing the number of decisions we make each day. Many of them are programmed into our systems by the demands of our daily itinerary. In fact if we were to actually count, we would be surprised at the sheer volume of activity that has been handed over to automation. But ever so often, we encounter a crossroad, a new choice. Quite often we are unprepared to make that new decision. The reason is that we do not have a sufficient grasp of all of the elements involved. The choice, however, seems to demand immediacy, and we comply.

Sometimes we do not encounter tremendously traumatic consequences for these poor decisions arrived at on the spur of the moment. Life is often kind, and even when the results are not what they could have been or should have been we survive to choose another day. Often we do not even stop to re-evaluate the choice itself, or compare the outcome with an alternative decision. We drift along the path of life, instinctively taking the turns that seem the simplest, or choosing the path that inspires the brightest dream.

Every now and then, however, there comes a time when the choice confronting us will either enhance or shake the foundation of our lives. Every now and then we are given an opportunity to remain in or step out of, our ‘comfort zone.’ There is a lot to be said for remaining in your comfort zone. We live in a world where we seem to be told that we need to abandon such a zone and explore some other place untouched by us. It seems poetic and challenging when spoken, but how many really ever attempt the journey? A freshly graduated medical student who chooses to be a general practitioner, who dedicates his life and purpose to his calling, can only improve his skills. A respected pastor, who visits the flock and cares for his membership, might one day desire advancement in his profession. He might desire the Presidency, hoping to ‘serve a greater good.’ Yet, perhaps, the treasured Pastor of the little flock might ultimately become a mediocre President of many.

So how are these decisions made? How truly comfortable is the new zone when arrived at? I would suggest that the evaluation must be made within. It is not the choice that should drive the decision, but the heart. What good will come of this? Will I be a kinder, gentler person? Will I be the contributor or the beneficiary? Will peacefulness and restfulness result? Many do not realize the full internal impact of the choices we make until time has passed. We shift our path without fully considering the labor involved. The stream that flows blissfully along the little path, with water clear and gentle, does not reveal the early years of cutting through the stone. The pebbles that roll slowly along do not announce their rough beginnings as jagged edged rocks. The singing birds now enjoy the peace and calm and restfulness, but long before the scene serene, the work was slowly done.

So leave your comfort zone if you will, but remember, a new stream must be cut.

Cameron A. Bowen