Uncertainty...

So Dan's message this morning got me thinking about uncertainty and the decisions we make. I'm talking about big decisions - where to live, whether or not to take a job, dealing with messy interpersonal situations, etc. In general, it seems like we tend to respect people who make well calculated, well thought out decisions - people who have a plan. We see those decisions as mature, responsible, and sensible. But lion chasers are supposed to be brave and fearless. We're supposed to embrace circumstantial uncertainties. So do we respect the people who make decisions that aren't so calculated out? Do we think those people are crazy? Irresponsible?

There's a teacher at Eden who is definitely a lion chaser. This woman isn't afraid of anything. She's isn't afraid to "bite off more than she can chew" as they say. She is divorced, has two grown daughters, and one granddaughter. At the beginning of last school year, she got full custody of her six-year-old nephew whose mom clearly wasn't able to raise a child. This teacher didn't have a plan. She couldn't possibly get to her nephew's school to pick him up on time because of her teaching obligations. She didn't have clothes for him. She didn't have anyone to watch him while she helped out with some extra-curricular activities at school. What kind of decision did she make? To her it wasn't an option. She knew that God never wants a child to be neglected. She loved her nephew and he loved her. I just find her decision amazing, and I hope I can grow to be that selfless and brave despite circumstantial uncertainties.