To make good decisions, learn how to control impatience

As a child, we lived across the highway from a “big box” store that featured “blue light specials” for five minutes during the day.  

I could hardly resist something cheap if it had a “blue light” rotating on top of it and a ridiculous price.

Quick decisions usually need to be revised.

Your emotions run hot.  Your experience tells you what to do.  

Slow down.

You think, “If I don’t DO SOMETHING, I will lose all options.  I will always regret not moving forward

And you MOVE.  

It’s only later you discover more information that would have changed your decision.

Here are some ways to let patience rule the day in every large (or small) decision:

1.  Remember that there will always be “one more.”

My Dad told me, “I have confidence in the American mercantile system that they will always make ONE MORE.”

In other words, walk away.  Sleep one night on it and see how trivial that thing feels in the morning.

2. Put some distance between you and your emotional decision.

I read about a lady who froze her credit card in a plastic milk jug in her deep freezer.

She would see something she just “had to have” at the store but would need to drive home and DEFROST THE JUG before returning to the store!

3. Do some research about that company, individual, or product.

Reviews online are weird.  Some people adore a product; others could spit on it and burn the grass brown!

I will say, however, that reading ratings and reviews by respectable people has given me pause not to click “Order Now” online.

I later found something better.  Patience was my friend.

4. Don’t go past communication in relationships.

I have been married now for 47 years.  Most of that time together has been spent in conversation.

It’s not about the physical and the emotional.  It is about the spiritual connection between you and this lifetime partner.

Be patient to spend weeks and months conversing before deciding to marry.

5.  Only make decisions together after marriage

Spending money, buying unbudgeted items, or committing to high-dollar things must be with your spouse.

“If they disagree, “there is something that they see.”

Wait.

Put it back.

I have saved our family tens of thousands of dollars because Melanie reasoned with me about the purchase.  I didn’t like it, but I listened.

6.  Listen to your heart.

If you are not married, the Holy Spirit lives in the heart of every Christian.

Ask Him His opinion about that move, that man, that major.

Wait for your heart to get peaceful and confident.  Pray about it every day and thank the Lord for an inward “witness” of “Yes” or “No.”

It might be your conscience, the voice of your heart.  Any sense of displeasing the Lord is time to back away

Patience is the secret of all good decisions.

Don’t worry about the “blue light” flashing.  You don’t have a place to store that unneeded item anyway!