Have You Ever?

Have you ever looked at a problem or a question so long in trying to determine what the best answer should be that you lose track of what the problem really is?  Such is the nature of the analytical mind.  Such is the nature of my mind.

Recently the leadership group at my office was provided with personality training, which I might add was a very good session.  The test, not too surprisingly, put me "off the charts" in the area of the analyticals.  The biggest problem for those of us with this mindset can be that old foe of paralysis by analysis.  Obviously this is a major problem for the population at large as you find "about 20,800,000" hits when you put the words paralysis by analysis into the Google search engine online.

Have you ever struggled with someone like me because of your more quixotic nature?  Given the number of hits listed above it is almost certain that a large number of you have faced this type of challenge.  Despite the huge differences in how we are wired, and how we get to an answer, we do need one another. 

There are times when we in the analytical camp need someone from the fast moving camp to just implement a decision and move on toward the next thing.  While on the other hand we in the more contemplative group can provide a stability for those who prefer fast action.  As Albert Einstein is quoted, "Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving."

Keep moving, that is great advice for us all.  It is also the message of scripture.  Paul in writing to the Philippians says,

"Not that I have already attained

or am already perfected; 

but I press on,

that I may lay hold of that

for which Christ Jesus 

has also laid hold of me.

Brethren,

I do not count myself

to have apprehended;

but one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind 

and reaching forward

to those things which are ahead,"

Philippians 3:12-13

The apostle Paul was not going to remain stuck in one place, he was going to grow in his faith, understanding, and service.  He believed in the power of progress, he like Einstein's bicycle must keep moving.  

Likewise, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that there are times for all things.  So no matter which camp you are in recognize the needs of those who are not in your personality style.  Find the common ground and work with each other's strengths rather than against them, and you will make a positive impact.  

We all need to learn from one another, and often from ourselves.  Have you ever thought about that?  There is more than any one of us can know in this world, and there is more than any one of us can share in this world.  My suggestion is to find your character in the richness of scripture and then build upon it with the God-granted gifts that you have in order to aid others, and to Make Today GREAT!