Lauren jumps in this week by talking about her recent negative test to COVID, but how she and her family self-quarantined for almost three weeks just in case. Lauren shares some of the emotions she and her family went through during those weeks. From that conversation, Rick expresses that he and Lauren just want to have real conversations that feel authentic to the moment they're in, so right now, that means talking a lot about COVID and the things that come up with COVID, like today's topic of decision making.

To start their topic conversation, Rick mentions last week's episode about fatigue. Lauren references Knox County Schools' announcement to let parents decide if they would send their kids to school or opt for online school. Lauren discloses that this was a tough decision for her and her husband Tommy to make because she felt there wasn't really a right or wrong answer.

In thinking about decision-making right now during COVID times, Rick leads listeners to The American Institute of Stress' website for help. He also asserts that God doesn't play hide and seek; He won't abandon us because we made the wrong decision about something. As long as we are seeking wise counsel, considering all factors, and praying for God's guidance, we can be sure that God will be with us, Rick says. Rick also conveys that even when we realize we've made the wrong decision about something, God can still use that wrong decision for good, or redeem the situation.

Even with all of this, Rick says we are still hardwired to default to the familiar, so that will often affect our decision-making abilities. Instead, he shares some ways you can focus on other things and give your brain a rest before making a big decision.

To wrap up, Lauren references doing a Q&A-style episode, and encourages listeners to send in their questions to her at lmorgan@fellowshipknox.org or Rick at rdunn@fellowshipknox.org, or find Lauren or Rick on social media.

For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org