BIG Picture

I believe the most difficult part of living (whether you're Christian or not) is understanding that life is a "Big Picture." I read something that said "Big Picture thinking is a process of taking a step back and evaluating all of the potential issues that may make a proposed project difficult to make a reality."So let's think about that.

First, it's a process. Process usually implies time consuming, right? It's not quick and easy. There are steps and stages and it's done deliberately.

Next, it involves stepping back to evaluate things/issues. I'd guess that if you were in a process of evaluation that you're probably still. Not moving and doing, but reflecting and (for us Christians, praying) waiting for some revelation or greater understanding. This, by far, is the hardest part because this is where patience is a must. It is impossible to evaluate without patience.

Regarding the last part - a proposed project - what can be more difficult than the project of life (proposed by God)? It's extremely complex! There is no task more challenging than living life effectively and achieving one's purpose.

I bet, though, if we were able to think this way about our lives - remembering that it's a BIG picture, taking time to deliberately evaluate the things trying to keep us from reaching the goal -we'd be much less stressed!

I'm definitely guilty of getting caught up in my current circumstances. How many of us try to DO something the moment we feel the slightest bit of discomfort? We try to change things to re-establish comfort. But the worst time to take action, I'd say, is before you've taken time to evaluate. Maybe it's better that you stay still and (I can't believe I'M writing this) be patient. After all, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." -Prov 19:21