Want to know how Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus inspire our decision-making process? Curious about how clearing clutter from a kitchen table can teach us about our digital age? Intrigued by how a hurricane experience and a speaking engagement in Portland can impact a person's choices? Join us on a journey of introspection, spirituality, and life lessons that help us embrace our present, make intentional choices, and find peace amidst life's uncertainties.

The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

Most individuals traverse life with a blend of prayers, plans, and uncertainties, always secretly afraid they might lose their way. Standing at the admissions building of her alma mater, Emily Freeman, the author, wondered what she was doing there. She was about to enroll in grad school, a decision that had kept her up at night with doubts and questions. Why would she want to go back to school with a job, family, and a full life already?

As Emily grappled with this decision, she annoyed everyone around her, or maybe just herself. Unmade decisions hold power, pulling and pushing us, interrupting our thoughts, and jolting us awake at night. They can morph us into strange versions of ourselves, hyperfocused on finding the right path. But what if the key isn't about making the perfect choice but simply doing the next right thing?

This advice, "do the next right thing," has been famously quoted by Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., and others. It's about taking the next clear step, rather than worrying about the entire journey. Jesus exemplified this by giving simple instructions after performing miracles: to the leper, "show yourself to the priest," to the paralytic, "pick up your stretcher and go home," and to Jairus and his wife, "give her something to eat."

Making decisions isn't about having a perfect plan; it's about becoming more fully ourselves in the presence of God. As Emily finally decided to enroll in school, she couldn't articulate exactly why, but she felt a call to a deeper life with Jesus and others. Our Western minds seek control through understanding, but sometimes we need to embrace the mystery and take steps of faith.

Every decision shapes our lives and reveals our character. What if the way we make decisions is as important as the decisions themselves? Unmade decisions can either close us up in fear or open us up to love. As we navigate our choices, we must create space within our souls to discern our next right thing with God.

Emily's book encourages you to make space for silence, listen to your inner self, and hold your decisions with an open hand. Each chapter ends with a prayer and a simple practice to help you explore your next right step with God. Whether you're in the midst of a major life transition or dealing with daily anxieties, doing the next right thing can be a welcome beginning.

Can Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Advice Help You Make Better Decisions?

Decisions are tough, and we all want to make the right ones. We’ve established the basics of our soulful practice: creating space, embracing silence, recognizing distractions, and naming what’s unnamed within us. But before we move forward, there’s a crucial conversation we need to have about our beliefs about God and how they inform our decisions.

If I asked you what you believe about God, you might list some lovely, true things. But if we look closely at our lives, there’s often a gap between what we say we believe and what we actually believe. If we see God as mad, distant, or indifferent, it affects how we make decisions. We need to confront these false narratives and let God tell us the truth.

Dallas Willard reminds us that we live what we believe, even if we don’t always live what we profess to believe. God won’t shame, trick, or terrorize you. He is your Shepherd, providing what you need and inviting you to dwell in His house forever (Psalm 23).

During her last years of college, Emily found comfort in a radio program by Elisabeth Elliot, who often quoted the poem “Do the Next Thing.” It’s a simple reminder to trust God with your future and take the next right step.

When faced with difficult decisions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But sometimes, we need to look for arrows rather than answers. In 2012, Emily and her husband John were in a challenging season, full of questions without answers. They followed the arrows, which led them through grief, desire, and ultimately, closer to each other.

John’s leave from work allowed him to reconnect with his desires and our family. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but it taught them to trust God with the process. Dallas Willard also said, “The most important thing about you is not the things you achieve but the person you become.” This journey helped shape their character and brought them closer together.

If you’re carrying a big question, take a break from the frantic search for answers and look for arrows instead. Trust that God won’t let you miss your own future.

In times of transition, it’s important to embrace being a beginner. Whether you’re starting a new job, a new relationship, or navigating a new phase of life, give yourself permission to be new within it. Being a beginner can be uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary part of growth.

Remember, you are in Christ, and your smallness is not a liability. Let this new role teach you what it has to teach you. Embrace being a beginner and receive the gifts it has to offer.

As you take your next right step today, trust that God is guiding you. Follow the arrows and let Him lead you on this journey.

Dallas Willard's Wisdom: Trust the Arrows, Not Just the Answers

In late September 1989, Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, causing over seventeen billion dollars in damage. Emily had just started seventh grade and moved from Iowa, so the hurricane was a big unknown for her. Her parents assured her they were safe in Columbia, a town of refuge for coastal evacuees. This experience taught Emily that while storms are inevitable, unnecessary fear can paralyze us in decision-making.

When faced with a difficult decision, fear often holds people back, as it did for Emily when she received an invitation to the Philippines with Compassion International. Despite valid reasons to decline, her main hesitation was fear—of flying and getting sick in a foreign country. Shaun Groves, their trip leader, told her, “There may be a lot of reasons for you to say no to this trip. But please, don’t let fear be one of them.” Naming her fear helped Emily find the courage to say yes, and peace followed only after making the commitment.

Similarly, Vivian Howard, an award-winning chef, faced tough decisions as her career grew. Balancing her restaurant and a book deal required knowing what she wanted more. Her struggle exemplifies the importance of prioritizing desires, as our decisions shape our lives. In Mark 10, Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” This question emphasized the significance of acknowledging desires honestly before God.

Deciding what we want is crucial, but knowing what we want more guides us. Life-draining and life-giving activities vary, and reflecting on these can inform future decisions. Creating a Life Energy List, assessing what drains or gives life, helps in making informed choices. It’s about listening to our lives and allowing past experiences to shape new ones.

Engaging in this practice reveals what truly matters and aligns our decisions with our deepest desires, leading to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Can Facing Fear Lead to Life-Changing Decisions Like it Did for Vivian Howard?

Emily remembers the first time she saw the yacht named "Never Enough" in Hilton Head Island. It was a spectacle—larger than life, surrounded by smaller boats that seemed like toys in comparison. The name was a clear message: no matter how much you have, it’s never enough. This thought lingered with Emily for years.

Fast forward to her career as a sign language interpreter. Emily worked hard to get certified, traveling to Atlanta twice, and finally succeeded. But when she became pregnant with twins, her priorities shifted. She decided to quit her job to be at home, even though it felt like giving up something she had worked so hard for. Years later, the desire to write became stronger, and Emily eventually let her certification lapse. This decision led her to a new, fulfilling path that she hadn’t anticipated.

The lesson here is clear: sometimes, what people think they want isn’t what they need. Chasing after "more" can leave them empty. Instead, focusing on what they have can bring true contentment. Whether it’s quitting something that no longer fits or embracing a new calling, it’s essential to recognize when enough is truly enough.

In another reflection, Emily found herself in California, chasing a sunrise she never fully saw. It reminded her of her tendency to always look for what’s next instead of appreciating what’s now. This habit of hers led to unnecessary stress and a feeling of being constantly unsettled.

Psalm 46:10 invites individuals to "be still and know that He is God." Being still allows them to recognize God’s presence and find peace in their current circumstances. It’s a practice of letting go of future worries and past regrets to embrace the present moment fully.

To help stay present, Emily uses a simple exercise: take an overwhelming thought, turn it into a question, and add "today" at the end. For example, "Are my girls starting high school today?" If the answer is no, set it aside. If yes, focus on the next right step.

Finally, acknowledging where they are in life is crucial. Whether it’s a new responsibility, a health change, or added stress, understanding their current reality helps individuals make informed decisions. Walking alone without an agenda, simply listening to their surroundings, can help them reconnect with their true selves.

In essence, life isn’t about chasing the biggest yacht or the next achievement. It’s about recognizing what they already have, making intentional choices, and finding peace in the present.

Finding Peace: Letting Go of 'Never Enough' for True Contentment

It's been ten years since Emily and her family moved into their house, and she still remembers the pink walls and the mirrored living room. Despite its dated look, they had a vision. During the renovation months, Emily would visit early in the morning, imagining their future life there, even though it wasn’t finished yet.

Similarly, Emily has had ideas for projects that she can see in her mind, but hasn’t acted on yet. Sometimes, it feels like a gentle hand is telling her to wait. Doubts creep in, but she reminds herself to trust the inner voice that often aligns with God’s guidance. Clarity can’t be rushed, and it’s okay to let go of our timelines. Marie Forleo says, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.”

Years ago, when Emily and John were in a period of transition, they gathered trusted friends to listen and reflect with them. This co-listening group wasn’t about giving advice but about understanding their journey and providing support. It helped John find his next step, but more importantly, it reinforced the value of community and God’s presence in their lives.

Our inboxes can tell stories too. Emily once realized hers was full of emails from various “gurus” she was collecting in search of clarity. Instead of finding direction, she felt overwhelmed. It taught her that vision must come from within, and only then should we look for external guidance.

If you're facing decisions, Emily suggests gathering a few people who truly listen and care. They don't have to be your closest friends but should be people you trust. This practice can help you process your thoughts and feel less alone.

Ultimately, Emily believes that God is less concerned with the outcomes of our decisions and more with who we are becoming in the process. He wants us to lean into community, trust His presence, and listen to the still, small voice within. So, walk slowly, hold your candle against the wind, and let the light guide you.

Can Marie Forleo's Wisdom Help You Find Clarity in Your Life Decisions?

The biggest myth of our digital age is the belief that we can be omni-competent, omni-informed, and omni-present. We must wisely choose our absence, our inability, and our ignorance. This lesson was vividly illustrated by Emily's Grandma Morland’s cluttered kitchen table, cleared only for Christmas and Easter. If your soul feels like her table, take time to clear it off to find what truly matters.

Being present is a valued quality. True presence means paying attention to your surroundings and within yourself. Ironically, cultivating presence involves choosing absence from distractions. One significant distraction is the lure of opportunity. Opportunities often present themselves through emails, conversations, or invitations, promising to affirm our worth. However, too many reactionary yeses can lead to decision fatigue and a lack of true presence in our lives.

Not all opportunities are equal. When faced with a new opportunity, consider where it will lead and if it aligns with your current priorities. Ask yourself questions: Will you get paid? Are the expectations clear? Would you enjoy it? If the opportunity doesn’t align with your priorities or is something you don’t want to do, it might be best to choose your absence from it.

Bonita Lillie, a mentor of mine, once shared that clarity in vision empowers decision-making. Trust the vision God has given you and say no to requests that don’t align with it. This discernment is crucial for maintaining presence in what matters most.

Sometimes, you need a No Mentor to help you say no to unnecessary commitments. A No Mentor should be someone who makes decisions the way you want to, knows you well, understands your subtleties, and respects you without being impressed by you. This mentor helps you eliminate the unessential and focus on meaningful yeses.

Lastly, don’t give your critic words. Not all critics are equal. Value critiques from those who believe in you, but don’t let spiteful or petty critics influence your decisions. Remember, Jesus never let negative critics change his decisions. Focus on the voice of God and the gifts critics unintentionally bring, like clarity and motivation.

In short, choose your absence wisely to be truly present in what matters. Seek guidance from mentors, say no to unhelpful opportunities, and don’t let critics' words dictate your actions. Embrace the life God has given you with clarity and purpose.

Grandma Morland’s Wisdom: Cultivating Clarity and Presence in a Distracted World

"It’s a wild and wonderful thing to bump into someone and realize it’s you," said Fil Anderson. Emily hopes these words are creating space for your soul to breathe so you can name the unnamed things within you and discern your next right thing in love. Decision-making isn't linear; it dips into valleys and meanders through dark woods before opening to green pastures. 

She has explored the need for mentors and the value of not giving critics power. But, often overlooked, is the relationship one has with themselves. When life becomes unpredictable, it’s easy to scatter apart in panic, forgetting who and where one is. 

Consider this: the only person you’re guaranteed to be with every day of your life is you. It doesn’t get more "home" than that. So maybe it’s time to make some peace. 

Reflecting on childhood memories, Emily remembers feeling anxious at a bus stop in front of Mr. Huntington's house, covered in "No Trespassing" signs. For years, she treated her own soul similarly, standing at the edge of her own driveway, unaware of the life waiting to be lived on the other side of the door. 

Coming home to oneself isn't always easy. Imagine arriving at a house where the hostess hurls criticisms at you. You’d turn away every time. What if we stopped bullying ourselves and, instead, became gracious hosts to our own souls?

In the summer of 2016, as Emily sat with a group of writers in Tuscany, her friend Tsh said she felt pastored by Emily. Her words struck a chord, revealing a truth Emily hadn’t fully seen in herself. Think back to words someone spoke to you that made you feel fully seen. These moments help us recognize our own giftedness.

So, what does it mean to come home to ourselves? It might involve trying something new. When you’re close, you’ll know it. It will feel safe and settled, without the need to prove anything.

A prayer: O God, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is. Amen.

Practice: Think of a time when you felt most like yourself. Recall words from others that affirmed this. If you struggle to find those words, remember God knows you intimately.

Standing in a garden center, overwhelmed by the choices, Emily felt stuck. This small decision brought unexpected discouragement. But then a phrase came to her: "Pick what you like, then see how it grows." This simple idea applies to many decisions. We often feel overwhelmed, but we can start by acknowledging our fear and accepting our right to be here. 

Prayer: As we stand at new beginnings, teach us to hold on to what we need for the journey and gently let the rest go. Amen.

Practice: Pick what you like, then see how it grows. There may not be a perfect choice, but choose something and see how it unfolds.

Wearing better pants has become Emily's favorite spiritual discipline. As she cleaned out her closet, she realized the jeans she clung to represented a version of herself she wasn’t ready to let go, even if they caused discomfort. We are whole: mind, body, and soul. Each part affects the others. Practicing spiritual disciplines isn’t about earning acceptance but about being aware of God’s presence and transforming our character.

Prayer: Shine the warm light of grace into the shadows and give us the courage to show up as ourselves. Amen.

Practice: Pick a quirky spiritual discipline. Consider if there's something you need to call a truce with. Nothing is off limits—God is with you in every ordinary moment.

Is It Time to Make Peace with Yourself and Embrace Your True Home?

Sometimes, self-reflection can become a barrier. Not the kind that brings one closer to Christ, but the kind that makes one self-conscious and fearful. Emily almost turned down a speaking engagement in Portland because she worried about fitting in with the crowd there. She was afraid she wouldn’t be the “cool” hipster type. Yet, in saying yes, Emily found that her sense of belonging came from being in Christ, not from fitting in.

This experience taught Emily a vital lesson: comparing ourselves to others prevents genuine connection. We often protect our inner child, longing for security and love, by choosing isolation over connection. But what if our decisions were based on connection rather than comparison?

When Emily walks into a room with a clear role, she feels more at ease. As a mom at a birthday party, she knows her place. But in unfamiliar social settings, she often feels scattered, living out a false narrative driven by the need to be spectacular or powerful. This false narrative makes her focus on how she’s perceived rather than on making connections.

Walking into rooms with a mindset of connection rather than comparison changes everything. It’s about being present and purposeful, paying attention to others rather than seeking approval. True ministry overflows from an abiding life with God, not from trying to avoid failure or mistakes.

Reflecting on a flight, Emily realizes how often we miss God’s surprises by clinging to control. On a trip to Hutchmoot, she witnessed the beauty of open-ended stories and unexpected connections. These moments remind her that the best things often come unplanned and unexpected.

Astronaut Scott Kelly’s return from space on Super Tuesday was overshadowed by election coverage. Yet, his journey reminded Emily of the quiet, steady work of God in our lives. During transitions, we plant seeds of hope, trusting they will grow in time. Decisions shape us, but we remain in God’s hand no matter what.

Sometimes, our next right thing is to wait, creating space for clarity and trust. God’s promises aren’t always clear, but they’re filled with hope and presence. Embracing the courage to choose and the faith to return when we stray, Emily continues to create space for her soul, naming the unnamed and doing the next right thing in love.

Scott Kelly's Journey and the Power of Connection Over Comparison

Navigating life often involves a mix of prayers, plans, and uncertainties. Decisions can be daunting, causing inner turmoil and sleepless nights. Instead of seeking the perfect choice, it's about taking the next clear, right step. This approach, echoed by figures like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizes action over overthinking. Jesus exemplified this by giving simple, immediate instructions after performing miracles.

Decision-making shapes our character and reveals our true selves. It's essential to confront our beliefs about God and how they inform our choices, recognizing that unmade decisions can either trap us in fear or open us to love. The journey is more about becoming fully ourselves in God's presence than having a perfect plan.

Creating space for silence, listening to our inner selves, and holding decisions with an open hand can guide us through transitions. Trusting God with each step, recognizing our desires, and embracing our current reality help us make intentional choices. Reflecting on past experiences and seeking guidance from trusted mentors can provide clarity.

True presence involves choosing absence from distractions and saying no to opportunities that don't align with our priorities. This discernment allows us to focus on what truly matters. We must also learn to be kind to ourselves, recognizing our worth and allowing ourselves to grow.

In short, life isn't about chasing achievements but about making intentional choices, trusting the journey, and finding peace in the present. Embracing new beginnings, listening to our inner voice, and seeking God's guidance help us navigate decisions with clarity and purpose.

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