What Should I Do When Faced with Hard Choices?
What should I do when faced with hard choices, or any choice for that matter? I’m a planner. I didn’t say I plan well, but I plan. In the writing world, I’m labeled a plotter. Plotters plan their books, often outlining to develop the story before the first draft. Pantsers write by the seat of their pants, letting the story flow forth as they write. I don’t pantser anything.
This week’s photo caused me to ask that very question… “What should I do when faced with hard choices, or any choice for that matter?”
Our property is a haven for squirrels. They are a constant presence. Always digging, hiding their food, running up and down the trees… and until I relocated the feeders, bought a baffle for the pole, and purchased a special feeder, they ate the bird food.
For months I tried to get them to stop. I put hot sauce in the seed (they ate it anyway). I tried to find a better location for the feeder (they jumped off the house or out of trees and climbed the pole to get to it). I eventually took it all down and the birds had to fend for themselves.
Then someone bought me my first squirrel-proof feeder. That and the other measures solved the problem. The hard issue for me was, the squirrels deserved to live in community with the other wildlife, but I couldn’t afford to feed them.
I’ve given this question much thought over the last week or so as we’ve all faced a new situation. I’ll only say them once to make sure we’re tracking, but you’ve seen and heard these words so much lately, you’re probably sick of them (no pun intended).
Look away if you don’t even want to see them—corona… oh, I can’t even say it.
Have you been asking yourself the hard questions? What do you absolutely need that would cause you to go out in public to face crowds and possibly empty stores? Should you go to restaurants, even take-out, especially if you find you don’t have something readily available at home or you have to be away from home when you need to eat? Should you get together with others in smaller groups? What about one-on-one? What do you do if you find yourself in a situation where someone sneezes on you?
We could go on and on. These are hard questions.
If you’re like me, you go to the experts. You may need to research who is the expert to follow, but they’re out there. And, even after that, you may still be undecided.
Or, your choices may even be harder. Think about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already said to yourself, “I’ve got harder decisions than those to make.” What do you do?
What should I do when faced with hard choices? #WritingCommunity #hope Click To TweetThe book of James is a good starting place. James tells us in James 1:5 (NASB),
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
God wants you to call on him. When you find yourself in a place of indecision, ask Him. He tells us He will give it to you. Then, be patient and watch for His work. You never know how he’ll provide.
Has God helped you make hard choices? Let us know.
Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
In this time of uncertainty we must turn to God even more than we have been. Please, let’s pray for our medical workers, who cannot work from home. They are exposed daily, therefore exposing their families and others, unintentionally. Please Lord, protect them!
You are so right Ed. We are fortunate to have folks in the health care field. We have them in our family. Thanks for thinking of them and highlighting the need.
It is a very tough time right now. And I know people are getting mad at those who keep going out. But the stores are bare and we are running low on essential items. So when you cannot find food in the store then you turn to take out. Which I actually like because you are getting a meal and also helping business to make money in this time of need. And helping some people still keep their jobs as well.
P.s. the picture you posted is too cute.
Thank you for commenting. It seems that at every turn there is a new and hard decision to make. I like your feelings on helping others by supporting their places of business in a safe way. This virus takes a toll on us in more ways than fears of sickness and death, we are having to change our way of life and adjusting our expectations. In the middle of it, we can trust God for peace. He is with us and loves us. Praying for you today.
What a great post! My hard decision was whether or not to go to my uncle’s funeral. He passed when gatherings were being discouraged. I’m also considered high risk and less severe illness has landed me in the hospital in the past. I ended up going but it was a tough decision to say the least.
Oh my goodness! You are brave! Your kind of decision was just the thing I was thinking about. Based on your comment, I know family is important to you! Praying everything went well and that you continue to stay safe and healthy.