There are so many pivotal moments in our lives when we have to make important decisions. And even more times when we make not-so-important decisions. I'm working with the decision to return to full-time homeschooling right now. I'm taking my time with this. And it's reminding me of several invaluable tools I've used and continue to use when moments like this come. Be sure to teach these to your kids, too!

1. Prayer. The number one thing you should always start with, is prayer. Bring it before the Lord. Coming before the Lord puts you in a place of transparency. Your inner motivations become clearer. Being in God's presence does that. And you can tell Him all about it, and wait on His guidance.
2. Seek Counsel. The Bible mentions that wisdom is found with many counselors. Choose several people you trust, and talk over your decision with them. Make sure they know you well. And don't just choose the person who will give you the answer you really want. Choose several people, and weigh all of their advice.
3. Listing Pros & Cons: I rely on this trick. List your pros and cons. I find I'm often surprised by the result. It gives you clarity as well.
4. Inner Voice: Many of us rely on the quiet voice inside. You may call it your conscious, or God, or perhaps just your life's collected wisdom. I find I am often guided by it, and I usually attribute it to God leading me.
5. Ask Wisdom. Another little trick I've learned is to "Ask Wisdom." The biblical book of Proverbs mentions Wisdom a lot, personifying Wisdom as a person. Often, with any decision, big or small, I ask, "Wisdom, what should I do here?" Wisdom often answers right away. Many times I haven't followed her advice, and then I've regretted it. I've learned the hard way to trust Wisdom. And who is Wisdom? Jesus Christ, of course. (Try inserting Jesus Christ's name for Wisdom in those Proverbs, and you'll get a new understanding of our Lord.)