Make Decisions with Confidence
Did you know that the popular thought these days is that adults make an average of 35,000 decisions every day?
How crazy is that? 35,000!
We have never counted how many decisions we actually make each day, but we can testify that some days it seems like way more than we have the energy and brain space to make. How about you?
We all have the usual decisions like what to wear, what to make for meals, whether to eat breakfast or not, which route to take to work or to the kids’ school, what to buy at the store, where to park the car, whether to give permission for your children to participate in an activity or go to a friend’s house after school, which diapers to buy, or which clothes are needed for this season, whether to do the laundry today or tomorrow, which bills to pay, whether to go for that vacation to the beach or save the money and stay close to home…and the list goes on and on.
Add to that, the daunting decisions we have to make as parents whose child or children are affected by disability. For example, what about all the decisions that go with which doctors, therapists, hospitals, medications, surgeries, diet plan, or special formula for sensitive babies or tube-fed loved ones? Some of us have to sift through not enough or too many options for educating our children. We need to figure out what to communicate to those who care for our children at school, at church, at daycare, to babysitters, at Gramma’s, etc.
Many parents or caregivers of children or adults who are affected by disability have decision fatigue. This is the exhaustion and inability to focus and concentrate that comes from having to make too many decisions.
To add to the struggle, many decisions that need to be made are filled with confusion, overwhelm, and bone deep weariness. Another struggle that comes with making decisions is second guessing the ones we have already made. Many of the decisions we have to make for our children are gut-wrenching because we know that they have the potential to adversely affect our children for the rest of their lives. That is a heavy burden to bear and adds to the weight of decision fatigue.
Whenever possible, we suggest that you make your decisions as simple as possible. Take the guess-work out of daily decisions by deciding ahead of time to streamline the decisions you have to make on a daily or weekly basis.
For example, Sandra Peoples who wrote the book Unexpected Blessings, The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family has a whole thing where she helps moms with decision fatigue. One of those things is simply to wear the same clothing on any given day of the week each week that works best for you. She has a Monday T-Shirt that she wears every Monday so that, at least for one day of the week, she doesn’t have to figure out what to wear.
Some days — making even just one more decision is simply too much. Have you ever found yourself in decision paralysis – totally unfocused and stuck?
Recently, we did some thinking and praying about what we could bring you to help decision making be a little less of a burden.
We asked the question, “What are some things that could be put in place to give us a firm direction and a measure of peace while making those mundane and difficult decisions from day to day.” These tips won’t take all of the struggle out of decision making for you, but we hope something here will be a positive direction for you.
Have your decision making start and end with God.
Pray for guidance. And learn to listen with your heart.
God wants you to talk things over with him.
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” Proverbs 28:26 NLT
Trust God.
He has your good in mind. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
He wants to show you the way. “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 paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
He is the God of the impossible. It is hard for us to understand the whole picture in any given situation. But God is sovereign and in control of all things. He really can make a way when it seems there is no way. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,” Isaiah 43:19.
After praying for guidance with a heart that trusts God…
Seek Godly Counsel. Talk it over with someone you know who cares about doing things God’s way and someone who has a habit of studying God’s Word and walking in that truth.
Make the decision with confidence. Even after praying for guidance and working your heart to trust God – because He is trustworthy and proves Himself over and over – you may still feel a little nervous or confused or afraid about the decision you have to make.
Remember:
- God has always used imperfect people in imperfect situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says: “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” The New Living Translation puts it this way: “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.”
- God is a God of mercy: “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning,” Lamentations 3:23. ALSO: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most,” Hebrews 4:16.
So, even if you feel that you have made a less than wise decision, remember that God’s grace and mercy are available to you. Avail yourself of these precious gifts, bow before Him, and then lift your head high because He’s got you.
In conclusion, take the agony out of making decisions by:
- starting and ending with God,
- praying and asking for guidance with a heart open for listening,
- trusting God because He is truly trustworthy
- seeking godly counsel, and then
- making the decision with confidence, because God’s got you.
If you would like us to ponder together ways that you can practically go through these steps to less stressful decision making, feel free to email us at Champions4Parents@gmail.com. We offer free coaching by Zoom or phone call or by email. Contact us today to get the conversation started.
Much love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: www.Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s book at www.HeartReCHARGE.com
