Life is filled with many new and exciting opportunities. And many we don’t give a second thought before adopting. But these hasty solutions can set us up for much heartache and grief when we don’t approach them carefully.
To be sure, new and different doesn’t always mean better. And rushing into something new without first considering our reasons is like building a house on a foundation of sand. What initially appears good eventually crumbles under the weight of reality.
For example, simply accepting a free vacation might not provide the refreshment our souls need. And hastily accepting it just because it’s free might actually cost us more in the wearing down of our souls. To make an informed decision we must first consider what our souls need, and then evaluate potential vacation solutions from this starting point.
And this is true throughout our life and relationships. What is the problem or need that this solution is attempting to address? What are our motivations for considering and accepting the solution?
This doesn’t mean every opportunity requires a dissertation of thought before trying. Some things we do just because it’s fun and we want the experience. And this lighthearted, playful curiosity becomes our motivation and allows us to set our expectations accordingly.
All the same, we must still count the cost. Trying new food is not the same as acting out one of our fantasies. Food is quickly eliminated from the body, whereas putting flesh and blood onto our fantasies might have a lasting impact on our body, soul, and relationships.
The greater the potential cost, the longer and deeper we need to consider our heart motivations. Many unintended consequences are the result when we blindly rush ahead with every new idea.
In the end, stay open, curious, and willing to explore many new adventures. But don’t fall for every hasty new suggestion. Take your time to consider if this new solution will actually produce the fruit you desire.
Photo by Jaime Spaniol on Unsplash
