The size instinct directs our attention and resources toward concrete things that are in plain sight and, when considered without context, may easily be misjudged in terms of their importance.

Remember the high-school math we wondered if we would ever use?  Well,  ‘ratio and proportion’ to the rescue!   We need to be able to compare and divide.

A focus on single numbers (or events etc.) is risky. We need more for comparison.

Here’s a quick example: In 1950 the average cost of a loaf of bread was  .18 cents.  Today’s average price is $ 3.15.  That’s a big increase, and it looks like inflationary bad news.  Wouldn’t you love to buy a fresh loaf of bread for 18 cents?   But … let’s look at more numbers to gain perspective.

In 1950 the average income was  $3,210 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics).  In 2020 (at CA. minimum wage) we earned $ 28,800.00. Many of us earn well above the minimum wage level.

With nothing to compare to – single numbers (or points of view) can easily leave us feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. And yet … there is cause for hope.

When we check and compare proportions, we may be surprised to find things are better than we thought they were, or at least not as bad as they seemed.

To avoid over-generalizing or blowing things out of proportion, we need to pause and ask questions:  What does this compare to?  What can I measure it against to check the true ratio?  What real impact could this have on my life?  What real impact could I have on this issue?

Encouragement offers energy and fresh focus to help us dive more deeply into facts. When single incidents or numbers shake us, we need to slow our emotional knee-jerk, do the math, and identify contributing factors. Then we can seek ways to improve things.

Our instinctive tendency is to take what’s in front of us (seeing is believing) and evaluate its importance on that basis alone.  Context is critical for real understanding.

Scripture offers incredible encouragement and context in Romans 8:28 : “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are the called according to His purpose,” 

So, when trouble seems to come from nowhere – hitting like a single bomb, I can pause for a breath, say a prayer, and look for the context. That can help me keep my balance rather than simply being overwhelmed. It can also give me direction and a never ending supply of hope.

If my questioning and reasoning ability can’t identify a context — even then, I can hang on, knowing that ALL things are in the hands of my Lord, and He works all things together for ‘good’.  Now that’s cause for optimistic celebration!

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret