Every day we’re faced with making numerous decisions.
Some of these are straightforward, deciding what to eat for dinner or where to walk the dog, for example.
Others are more tricky, such as working out which school would be right for our children, how best to treat a seriously ill patient or who to appoint to a job vacancy.
Some decisions need to be taken quickly, others can be pondered over for days, weeks or even months.
When we need to make a difficult decision, we often seek advice or guidance from others.
This is a wise thing to do as it helps us evaluate our own thinking, and gives us confidence that we are making the best decision in the circumstances.
There’s a story in the Bible that shows Jesus deliberately cultivating a moment of calm and stillness when he has to make a difficult decision under pressure. Even though people are impatiently demanding an answer from him, Jesus chooses to stop and create a space to think, to gain some perspective and to ask God for wisdom. Then, and only then, is he ready to offer his solution. (John 8:2-11).
Are you facing some difficult decision making this week? Why not cultivate your own moment of calm? Perhaps take a walk with a friend, or go for a run, turn off your phone, play your favourite music or get out into the garden.
Create some space that enables you to think clearly about the decision you are trying to make. You might even want to try praying about it, I find that this helps me and it might help you too.
Karen Bugg, from Wokingham Baptist Church , writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
