What is ahead for you this year? You may be contemplating resolutions, worthy goals, or even detailed plans. You may also be sensing a familiar uncertainty about foreseeing the future. Our lives are strikingly vulnerable to unexpected illness, trauma, broken relationships, financial chaos, legal ruin, and more. But into the unknown we must proceed.
In Frozen II, sisters Anna and Elsa have become hopelessly separated. Anna is attempting to defend their hometown from destruction, and mourns the loss of Elsa’s prudence and courage. Despite her weakness and anxiety, Anna determines to:
Just do the next right thing
Take a step, step again
It is all that I can to do
The next right thing
In these lyrics is wisdom! Whether termed value-based decision-making or principled planning, the concept is identical. When creating a blueprint for an uncertain future, begin by implementing right actions. Express proven, timeless values through your activities. And as you proceed with doing right things, occasionally the unknown will appear less obscure. The future will become more clear.
By what standard shall we determine which are right things? To this complex question, allow me to offer one suggestion voiced by the Christ in Matthew chapter 25:
“The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was imprisoned and you came to visit me.’
What is ahead for you this year? At the very least, take a step and do some right thing on behalf of one around you who is most vulnerable.