Today's Lenten Meditation: Decision-Making - Something to Ponder

Have you seriously thought and reflected on the fact that our daily existence depends upon the nature of our decision-making? Invariably, we make decisions from the rising of the sun to its setting. Decision-making requires constant action, and more often than not, it involves others.  Decision-making becomes the ever-evolving hallmarks of our daily lives. Being human, we ask these questions: “Did I make the right decision?” or “Did I make the wrong decision?” The long and short of a response is, we will never know until we do so and witness the effects. Decision-making is the rhythm of life.

A consult from Google for another perspective on decision-making revealed that “to make a decision is to make up your mind about something.  To act with decision is to proceed with determination, which might be a natural character trait.”  The term decision-making originally comes from the Latin decernere (to decide). The shortened definition from the Britannica Dictionary is “a choice that you make about something after thinking about it.”

Perhaps, at this point, you might think that this sounds a little elementary, or trite. The intent is to emphasize the importance of “decision-making in building relationships through love,” as part of a backdrop for pondering this year's Lenten journey.  Lent is a solemn and sacred season, one that entails deep spiritual reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter.  Lent lasts for 40 days and provides a framework and the opportunity to journey inward by examining our decisions, thereby seeking God's grace. Lent is a time of transformation which entails rediscovery, renewing, and readying ourselves for the joy of Easter.  It is a call for decision-making, self-examination, prayer, self-control, giving, and loving ourselves and one another.  This is a time to become more resolute, elimination of distractions, and seeking a deeper relationship with God.  The act of decision-making embodies steadfastness in our thoughts and actions during this holy period.

Throughout the Lenten season, we will face making decisions on various matters, but not limited to these examples:

• When should I retire from my career or service?

• How old should my teenage daughter be before starting to date?

• Is it time to remove myself from a toxic relationship?

• Should I start speaking to my neighbor after ten years?

• What should I eat for healthy meals to control my cholesterol?

• Did I make the correct choices for certain ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)?

• What must I do better to save my marriage?

• Should I rely solely on AI to complete a research project narrative?   

• Is it time to consider a retirement home for my parents?

Notwithstanding these questions, we must make daily decisions involving certain matters we take for granted, such as when to get up, what to eat, what to wear, who to contact, and where to go. Even when making tough decisions, we do not have to carry the burden alone.  Trusting in God's promises and holding onto faith creates a divine support system. The underpinning of faith in the following verses of scripture supports us in acts of decision-making:

• Proverbs 3: 5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight."

• James 1: 5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

• Proverbs 16: 9: "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

• Psalm 32: 8: "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

• Philippians 4: 6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

There are many poignant stories in the Bible that draw attention to decision-making and building relationships through love.  Highlights of some of these stories focus on Adam and Eve's choosing disobedience, Daniel refusing to alter his faith in the lion's den, and the story of Ruth exhibiting loyalty, faith, courage, and value-based decisions in difficult circumstances leading to unexpected blessings and long-term positive impact.

In summary, using the key quote from the film, Conclave, it puts the spotlight on faith and decision-making:

"Certainty is a great enemy of unity.  Certainty is the deadly enemy of tolerance.  Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt.  If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith." 

Without faith, decision-making is like walking in the dark without a flashlight. Something to ponder!

 #decisionmaking #decision #choices #meditations #lent #episcomd #hocomd #lentenmeditation