We all make a LOT of decisions, some big and some small, some stressful, some not so stressful. We tend to stress more about the bigger ones, like where we go to college, who we will marry, if we will marry, where we will live.
It occurred to me a way to measure the magnitude of the decision we are about to make is the potential ripple effect from that decision. And and and…. here’s a hint, the relational decisions WILL have a bigger ripple effect that will last longer and go farther. Here’s what I mean. Choosing a college is a big deal, no doubt. Choosing where to live is a big deal, too. The bigger deal, though, are the relationships within those arenas- who we allow to influence us, who we choose to trust, who we choose to have sex with (or not), whether to marry, whether to divorce, whether to have kids or have an abortion.
The ripples effect of our relational choices will have a greater impact because our reason for existence is at its core, relational. It’s not about how much money we can accumulate (or spend), not what school we went to and what our degree is, not how many square feet are in our house and what stuff’s in those square feet.
It’s hard to judge what the ripples effect will be of any decision. However, it’s often easier for a good friend (wise helps, too) to see what might ripple out from a relational decision you’re facing. God didn’t put us here to go it alone, you know. And He’s always there too, ready to help… if you’ll allow Him to….
Rev. Greg Griffin is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor and Forgiveness Coach in private practice in Marietta, GA. His specialty is relationship repair and rescue- helping partners, spouses, and parents and their adolescents. He’s also the author of Dungeon Times Survival Guide, and Vital Faith.