“Unmade decisions have the power to either close us up in fear or open us up to love. This is both the burden and the gift of our indecision. We get to choose which one we carry.”- Emily P. Freeman
Emily P. Freeman concludes Chapter 1 of The Next Right Thing as she reminds you that Christ dwells in you and delights in you. In addition, you live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God. Therefore, the decision is rarely the point. What really matters is that you become more fully yourself in the kingdom of God.
Yet, as Mrs. Freeman’s spiritual director explained to her, the Western world trains our minds to go down the path of explaining. As a result, we think we can control something if we understand it. Consequently, our Western culture conditions us to believe that we should only do things if we:
- know why
- know where we’re headed
- understand the purpose
Without clear answers, then, taking a big step feels like a risk at best. Or, at the worst, a fateful mistake. Thus, Emily explains the importance of decisions. She writes:
“We know decisions are important because each one carries a consequence. Decisions shape our lives. But what we often overlook is not only how our choices shape outcomes but how they shape us too. They reveal our character and help to create our character.”
In conclusion, the author observes, we always have decisions to make – big or small. Hence, you need to create a space in your soul as well as you schedule to remember not only who you are but why it matters. And as you explore the next right thing, you also explore where God’s with you in your indecision and exasperation.
Today’s question: How do you see unmade decisions as both a burden and a gift? Please share.
Coming Monday: the June Short Meditation, “Hear the music – don’t just read the notes”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Minimalism – nothing owns you”
