A rational decision is based on testing and data and an understanding of the mechanics underneath the system you're working on. The more you know, the better you decide.
An irrational decision is based on gut instincts, conviction and faith.
No one is rational all the time. In fact, somewhere along the way we made 'irrational' into a bad word, but it shouldn't be." -Seth Godin
Naturally, I'm a more "gut-instincty" kinda person. Knowing this, I purposefully try to practice more logic. But no matter how right-brained or left-brained an individual, I think it's safe to say that everyone values reasoning and rationality to some degree. We value decisions that make sense, that save money, that save time, that are efficient, that prevent accidents, that are predictable, that promise safety, that ensure stability. In addition, we live in a culture that questions faith, ridicules mysticism, and discourages yielding control to others.
It comes down to that we value the feeling of being in control, knowing where the next step will take us, and making decisions that gratify our perceived needs.
But are we ever really in control? Do our rational decisions always lead to our satisfaction? Is it really true that "the more we know, the better we decide?"
With graduation in just 27 more days, people have asked me the question of, "What do you plan to do after graduating?" more often than I would like. Not that I'd prefer if they didn't ask the question at all. It's just each time the question is asked, it's a not-so-happy reminder for me that I really have no idea what I'm going to do, that I haven't reached a rational conclusion to my college career. =( So to relieve that anxiety, that void, and that uncertainty of what step I should take next, I found myself making up plans that traditionally have made sense to other people: travel for a bit, work to pay off loans, apply to grad schools...
But I wish I could answer the question of post-grad plans with the actual truth and the true desire of my heart: "I just want to pray some more." Or "I want to wait for God's direction when it comes." Or "It's my goal to trust God's sovereignty through my uncertainties."
Rationality is overrated when it comes into comparison with trusting God's good, pleasing, and perfect will. Ultimately, before I seek out a rational decisions, it'd be more "rational" (ha-ha) to seek out God's way first.
So, does it hurt to be a little more "irrational" -- less focused on mechanics, systems, and credibility? Maybe not. After all, prayer is an irrational act of faith, worship is the product of irrational and overflowing rejoicing, and God's sacrifice of His Son to die on the cross for an imperfect people is an irrational atonement.
So, as far as what I plan to do after graduating? I guess I plan to pray. Simply pray. And wait. And then obey. I don't have to know where I should step next, why I step there, or how that step will affect my future. Neither do I have to prove to others the worth of my decision. I don't even have to exactly understand how praying will help. But I'll pray simply because whether I understand His plan or not, I know that by praying I surrender both my rationality and irrationality to His will.
In the end, I guess my reflection on the question in the title has nothing to do with rationality or irrationality. I've been reminded to simply be more prayerful, with eyes fixed on God's standards and less on others' standards. In all that we do, in all that we seek, and in all that we plan, Soli deo Gloria - may glory be to God alone.
This post is my reflection on Seth Godin's entry.
No comments:
Post a Comment