Do The Next Right Thing

08/30/22 • 11 min

If caregivers mapped out a decision tree for our daily lives, it would look like a forest. Each day we’re faced with numerous choices – and most seem filled with unpleasant outcomes. Sometimes the decisions before us have a paralyzing effect, and we don’t know what to do next.

In those moments, we serve ourselves well to choose the next right thing as our action step. The big problems become more approachable when our heads and hearts calm down.

For that to happen, our decisions require “reduction.”

Unlike the giant single unpleasant task of “eating the elephant one bite at a time,” decision reduction helps us focus by redirecting our eyes from the myriad of choices to the micro-steps in our path. Maybe the next right thing is to drink some water, sit down with a bowl of soup, take a nap or even go on a walk. Although the problem usually remains, we tackle it better with a calmer and more disciplined mind.

When offered this path, we invariably know the next right thing to do; we just usually need permission – not from others but ourselves.

The Bible supports this when affirming that God’s word is “...a lamp unto my feet.”

It’s a lamp – not a searchlight. Do the next right thing – with the light provided.

“Not until we are lost do we being to understand ourselves.”- Henry David Thoreau.

If you find this podcast meaningful - please help us continue do this. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com/giving

In those moments, we serve ourselves well to choose the next right thing as our action step. The big problems become more approachable when our heads and hearts calm down.

For that to happen, our decisions require “reduction.”

When offered this path, we invariably know the next right thing to do; we just usually need permission – not from others but ourselves.

The Bible supports this when affirming that God’s word is “...a lamp unto my feet.”

It’s a lamp – not a searchlight. Do the next right thing – with the light provided.

“Not until we are lost do we being to understand ourselves.”- Henry David Thoreau.

If you find this podcast meaningful - please help us continue do this. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com/giving

Previous Episode

Translating The Gospel

I met Jon and Cindi Hampshire more than 40 years ago at Columbia Bible College (Now Columbia International University). https://www.ciu.edu/

The Hampshires work for Wycliffe Bible Translators and have served the Democratic Republic of Congo for 30+ years.

They didn't know it, but I based much of my outreach to caregivers on their model at Wycliffe Bible Translators. I invited them to the program to share their life, work, and journey of trusting God - even when they lost everything when they had to once flee the country they served.

https://wycliffe.org/partner/Hampshire

Jon and Cindi Hampshire became Wycliffe members in 1988 and serve with SIL Eastern Congo Group - supporting the work of Bible translation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jon serves as branch director, overseeing the work of Bible translation, literacy, and scripture engagement in the DRC. Cindi serves as prayer coordinator for the branch and works in finance as well. They now reside in Bunia, a town located in the east of the country where their office is located. Jon and Cindi are excited to see Bible translation move forward in the Congo, and to see Congolese believers hold key leadership positions in the Bible translation movement. Please prayerfully consider joining their Wycliffe ministry team through prayer and/or financial partnership.

Next Episode

A Funny Thing Happened At the Doctor's Office

You ever struggle to hold your tongue while answering questions at the doctor's office? Gracie's been treated by more than 100 physicians - and we've had our share of exasperating and hilarious moments. In this episode from the broadcast, I share one that fits both categories!

Then I follow it up with the 3 P's to use when dealing with physicians.

For more, visit www.hopeforthecaregiver.com