When Life is a Confusing Stop Light

Reflections on the pressures of decision-making and extending grace to oneself and others

Photo: Mine, Southside of Chicago, 2023.

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Recently, while driving I came across a stop light where the green and red lights, the yellow turn arrow, and the walking signal were all simultaneously on. It was rather confusing, to say the least.

Isn’t that a picture of life sometimes? God in His kindness, however, gives us the freedom to make decisions amid the lack of clarity that allows us to grow in wisdom. I once heard someone say if you wait for 100% certainty before you make a decision it is too late. Waiting for certainty can often lead to missed opportunities.

It is a reminder that despite what decisions we have made, we cannot be reduced to the worst ones we have made. And, we are not to be defined by the best ones we have made. Both are insufficient to cast light on the total view of one’s life.

Give grace to those who go when they should stop; be patient with those who stop when they should go; be understanding to those who turn when it isn’t their time.

Today, allow the confusing circumstances God places before you to be a gracious invitation from Him to grow in wisdom and dependence upon Him.