Wavering Between Two Options

A long time ago…in a state far, far away… I had to deal with someone who was wavering between two options.

I was behind a lady at a stop sign.
She seemed stymied as to which way to go.
The options were easy. Left. Right. That’s all.
Yet, seemingly she could not choose.
Oh, how I threatened to honk my horn
and let her know of my displeasure,
but I held my patience, and my tongue!
Only a slow burn was on!
Finally, she turned one direction,
Only to pull over to the shoulder of the road
and U-Turn in the opposite direction.

I was, well, let’s just say it. I Was Frustrated. My patience was very thin.

It was not that she made a wrong choice. We’ve all done it. Headed the wrong way after deciding which way to go, and then realize it was the wrong way after all. Generally, my philosophy is to simply go the way I’ve chosen until there is a safe place to change direction.

In fact, just today, a highway collision sent us ditch diving down side roads until we could find a path… The solution? Just keep heading in the correct direction, and a way reveals itself. Oh, mom, the streets we wandered!
Success!

My frustration to the lady in front? When you are struggling with making a good decision, too often you make the wrong one. Then you react to your choice. She pulled a U-Turn without any regard of traffic. Fortunately she survived.

Et tu’?

We’ve all pulled equally idiotic stunts. If not exactly like this one, at least similar enough to recognize the symptoms. Wavering. Not knowing. Finally making a choice, and then thinking it was the wrong one we yank ourselves around to go the other way.

Sometimes we’ve whirled around over and over, so many times we become dizzy!

At the same time, we are sending out waves of data to all those around us. Could our path show we are unstable? Incapable of making up our minds? Yes. Our choices even show we are willing to take chances. Sometimes that’s a valuable skill… other times it’s not.

My personality is pretty much the opposite. Take the time to make up my mind. Then, when headed down the path I’ve chosen without a moment of indecision, aim forward and Go!

Now… Sometimes the choice may not be the correct choice, nor best, but don’t confuse anyone by waffling!

Perhaps this is not “you”

I’ve learned to stay away from folks who make up their mind without considering their options. Equally, I flee from those who can never seem to make up their mind at all!

It’s not that their not worth my attention, but I grow weary with the extremes!

When it’s time to buy something, then buy. When it’s time to think about buying, then consider your options before committing to a choice. But at least, put a time limit on your research!

What’s your personality? Quick decisions are sometimes the best way to go, but for those who like to consider all the ramifications, then you are equally up to the task of making a decision. Eventually.

However….

There are important things that you should not put off until tomorrow. Some decisions require rapid moves. Strike while the iron is hot! Jump while the gap is narrow! Run instead of staying to fight!

Think about this as an end of the life equation. You’ve had all your life to make up your mind on how to exit, but you keep putting it off. When will it be too late to make a decision? In a split second anything can happen and your choices are now out of your hands. Someone else will decide for you.

We don’t know the exact ending of the Apostle Paul, but he did give us a hint as to his preparation.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (KJV)

These are some of the last words we read from Paul. Don’t you want a similar window that you could state this same case? If so, then you work up to the moment, but everyone already knows what’s your plan!

Some know what I’m talking about. Others have absolutely no clue. Shouldn’t that worry any of us about now? It does me when I’m sitting behind them and trying to follow their lead. Or, when I’m trying to lead others.

What’s that adage? Lead. Follow. Or get out of the way!