Over Adjustment


From time to time I hear of some terrible automobile accident resulting in horrible damage or even loss of life.  After an investigation the findings come back that the driver ran off the road and overreacted leading to what the accident report says is "over adjustment".   More often than not the driver is either young with little experience or elderly with diminishing abilities.  The reaction of both groups in the pressure of the moment results in disaster.  There is a great life lesson here.  Don't let the circumstances dictate your course of action in a time of crisis.  The only way you can make sure you handle a crisis properly is through training.  Then when the emergency does arise, trust your training.  This is true in scuba driving, combat, driving and life in general.  I have learned that becoming good at something does not mean you will maintain that level of proficiency in an ongoing way.  We need refresher training as well, especially as we grow older.   


The Scripture tell us in Hebrews 12:11 that "no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been TRAINED by it". Notice here the Word says, "to those who have been trained by it".  Not everyone allows training to take place from discipline.  That will result in making the same mistakes over and over again.  It will also lead to a life of "over adjusting" to circumstances resulting in costly mistakes.  We should train ourselves to always respond and never react to situations.  Reactionary behavior creates a knee jerk reaction that too often leads to even greater problems than the original one.  Responding lends itself to action taken after thought and patience leading to decisions coming forth from training.  What about the instant crisis where there is not time for contemplation?  Even more reason for training and retraining in order to respond in the moment according to our training. It has to become second nature.  


In dealing with people and relationship crises, never allow yourself to be rushed or pressured into a decision.  It is fine to say, "let me get back to you on that".  Give this some thought and the next time a crisis arises, trust your training!