I decided to turned down opportunity today to go to Washington, D.C. because of an inability to go to D.C. and maintain previous commitments. I had made verbal agreements and a formal commitment to plans already in motion, and I will not break my word. I am sorry to not being able to do both events at the same time, (which had been my initial thought), but that is not possible in reality.

After discussion and counsel of a friend whom I trust, it didn’t come down to personal / professional issue, although that was my initial response. (”I need to go to this professional conference because I want to be somebody.”) Instead, the decision was based on character and a honoring your previous word, as well as people.

My critical thinking had been weighing the benefits and consequences:
What does each decision offer?
What are the benefits of going to Washington?
What are the benefits of not going to Washington and doing the other activities?
What would each event cost (Money, Emotions, Friendships)?
How could I grow from this experience?
Would this opportunity come by again?

Then, imagine in your mind making one decision, either way.
“Yes, I’m going to Washington.” How do I feel about that? What emotions am I feeling? Then, imagine the other side of the coin: “No, I’m staying here and attending previous commitments.” How do I feel about that? What emotions am I feeling? Does it feel ‘Right’? Does it conflict and clash with my sense of right and wrong, or do I feel the decision is immoral?

When I weighted all of those things, I then thought about long term:
How will I feel about this decision in one year?
Five years?
In ten years, will I accept or regret this decision?

Psalm 118:8-9

I think that I have a hard time telling people “no,” that we can’t do something, but sometimes that’s the best option.