Hard Conversations and Difficult Decisions

Serving as a leader in a non-profit ministry, I have experienced my share of hard tears and sleepless nights. These moments typically surface before a difficult decision or when I know I need to have a challenging conversation. For the last few nights, I have faced some sleeplessness associated with a difficult decision.  

None of us genuinely embraces difficult decisions or challenging conversations, but we can embrace the outcomes often associated with these moments. We face a million daily decisions as parents, grandparents, or guardians. Some of them are so easy that they require no thought at all. For example, a child is running toward the road or about to touch a hot stove. We immediately step in to prevent injury.  

Other decisions require a little more thought. For example, when should my child start dating or have a cell phone? These decisions are more complex, and to be honest, what works for one child or family may not work for another. These decisions may require prayer, research, and preplanning about the consequences of unmet expectations.  

For those complicated conversations and difficult decisions, over the years, I have found prayer, fasting, and seeking wisdom from others who have gone before me to be the most effective path. It never makes it easier, but easy should not be our goal. Jesus never looked for the easy path. After all, He died on the cross for our sins. Additionally, He taught about the dangers of the easy way.

The Message commentary says, “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.” Matthew 7:13-14 

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins was not easy. It required His full attention and a willingness to lay aside His desire. May we model our life after Him and be willing to embrace hard conversations and difficult decisions. While on the cross, Christ faced great pain, but the pain was not His focus; our salvation was. 

In many ways, I hope always to be burdened by challenging decisions and hard conversations. I want to take them seriously and work to find the best solution. All while staying focused on the outcome rather than the momentary pain. As you lead your family, extended family, or even yourself, commit to growth and change over momentary pain.  

-Kelly Ross