The Impact of “Sliding; Not Deciding”

Hearing the catchy phrase, “sliding -not deciding” during a healthy relationship class our ministry was hosting, flipped a light on. Sliding into situations without deciding defines the majority of Americans today. Opportunity knocks. Doors open. For whatever reason, we walked through without much consideration or deliberation not realizing where the road will take us. Selfish choices, the inability to plan or evaluate, or aimlessly wandering without a goal, lets us slide; not decide. Landing in unpredictable, and often uncomfortable situations out of our control. We quickly become firefighters putting out fires started by our own vices or personality. We’re reactive; not proactive. Surviving over the living. The results are friends, families, and bosses who will decide our plans for us. While we’re sliding and floundering, beliefs are also being imposed on our culture. We’re off fighting fires instead of protecting our land by prevention. The family unit gets destroyed as a result. Meanwhile, time is lost precious time where we could be making a difference with our children and grandchildren.

The good news is many fires are preventable. Where fire destroys, lush grass and stronger trees grow back. Besides, No one is perfect – we’re all a work in progress. We can forgive ourselves for the past and change our future. Our destiny really is largely up to us.

Here’s how to start. FOCUS on making these changes.

– know what you believe
– know what’s important for yourself (set priorities)
– have a vision (know where you want to go/ direction)
– find your purpose
– write goals lining up with your vision and purpose
– allow time to evaluate your decisions and priorities
– make training your children to do the same things a high priority

Once these changes are made, choosing to do the right things for the right reasons almost becomes automatic. Here are some questions for parents to ask themselves to prevent additional sliding.

Why am I a parent?
What is my responsibility to my child, or children?
Am I trying to live through my child rather than embracing their uniqueness?
How are my reactions going to influence my children’s future?
I am setting an example, is it good or bad?
Are my actions pushing my child towards or away from Jesus?
What do I want my children to remember about me when I’m gone?

If these questions aren’t answered honestly, the family unit will continue to fall apart while we slide into the pleasures of this world over doing the right things. Our kids and grandkids are paying the price for our sliding instead of deciding. Let’s decide to teach fire prevention, and hang up our firefighter hats. Let’s become one of those living intentional lives. Better yet, let’s do the right thing for the right reasons.

Did this post make you stop and think about your own actions your role as a parent?

What should be your first step in making a decision to be a more intentional parent or grandparent?

Share in the comments below.

Thanks for your patience, and for sharing my posts with your friends. That means a lot to me.

Bountiful blessings.