Problems are uncomfortable, the discomfort relieved by a solution. But many problems are fuzzy, and the answers are unclear. The restlessness to fix such ambiguous problems can drive a frantic application of useless remedies. How can we find clarity for solutions?
My Mysterious Mind
Writing a good dissertation starts with a problem. The purpose of the dissertation research is to address the problem, which in education is a problem of practice for which prior research has not found a solution. In other words, there might be something amiss with educational policy, a program for student learning, or a way teachers teach, or certain types of students struggle to learn. Without a focus on a specific problem the study will lack direction and any work that is done will be less useful.
Similarly, if a vehicle or appliance isn’t working correctly, the mechanic must first diagnose the problem. What exactly isn’t functioning as it should? A good mechanic isn’t going to just start replacing random parts or adjusting pressures and fluids to see if the machine’s performance improves. Good solutions start with accurate problem identification.
If a married couple goes to a counselor, the expert on relationships will seek to identify the source of the couple’s difficulties. Someone with physical symptoms goes for medical help, which begins with gathering information and culminates with a treatment plan. The same goes for fixing just about anything. First determine what the problem really is, then apply the appropriate solution.
There are situations where a solution isn’t available or possible. Some illnesses cannot be cured, only symptoms managed. Some relationships have irreconcilable differences, and no intervention can resolve the conflict. A vehicle or appliance can become so badly damaged or worn that replacement is the only option.
But in all cases, the best attempts at solving a problem start with a search for the accurate attribution of its underlying cause. What needs to be fixed? Looking past the symptoms or signs that something is wrong, what is the primary source of the issue?
As you consider what in your life isn’t working as well as you would like, do you know what the origin of the problem truly is? If the month seems longer than the money you have, is the problem because of high expenses or insufficient income? For tension in an important relationship, where does the tension originate? If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or anxiety, what is at the root of that battle? Instead of jumping in to find solutions, the best remedies begin with accurate problem definition.
Message of Mystery Acres
There are problems in the forest from time to time, but that isn’t what I want to write about. Most of the time I flee to the woods to get perspective on the problems in the rest of my world. There’s something about the serenity of nature that mobilizes my ability to see my problems more clearly. I am able to sit quietly and just “be.” In these peaceful moments I gain clarity about the circumstances troubling me.
Specifically, as I shift my focus from the problems to just experiencing the forest, I can mysteriously see more clearly. My awareness of how to diagnose the problem is enhanced. If I have been spinning my mental wheels searching for answers, gazing on the beauty of nature somehow reveals the information I need to move forward in resolving whatever is amiss in my “regular” world.
I’ve learned from the forest that life can be enjoyed now, even if there is something “wrong” elsewhere. A few weeks ago, our shed at Mystery Acres was damaged by a tree falling on it. For the rest of that visit, I had to avoid looking at the shed or in its direction because my sense of sanctuary had been spoiled. But on the next visit I realized that the forest was still a wonderful place and I could enjoy being there, even with a huge dent in the shed. The same applies to life in general; life can be enjoyed now even with its damaged or difficult pieces.
Sometimes the best thing to do when trouble comes is to wait peacefully in a place of refreshment until answers arrive. And, too often, the frantic efforts to bring solutions only worsen the situation. Instead, a pause in a place where all is ordered only by nature can infuse a sense of internal order to those who are willing to wait for it.
On a recent visit I decided to listen to the sunset. That’s right, I focused on listening while the sun was sinking out of sight. For two hours I sat in the general direction of the setting sun and concentrated on what sounds I could hear. Something amazing happened! A few birds were singing as the daylight faded, but the type of birds changed as the evening slowly arrived. There were usually only two bird calls I could discern at a time, which would gradually disappear as other bird calls began. It was as though they were taking turns saying farewell to the day.
The message of Mystery Acres is an invitation to focus on something beautiful happening right now, even if there are crumpled aspects of the world nearby. Nature’s refuge can provide joy, wisdom, and clarity for what troubles us in another place. And no matter what turmoil a day might have brought, saying good-bye still warrants a multi-phase chorus of song.
Ancient Mystery’s Voice
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by the redemption that came through Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
The words of Ancient Mystery are relevant to the issue of fuzzy problems in at least two ways. First, there is the messy, ambiguity of issues between people and between people and God. Second, the ancient texts offer extensive help in sorting out the fuzzy problems in all other areas of life.
On the first matter, all difficulties between people and between people and God have the same root problem. All have sinned. This is black-and-white but we have a strong tendency to make it fuzzy. To justify the ways we hurt each other, we say things like, “everyone makes mistakes” or “no one is perfect.” We also defend our missteps with a litany of explanations and excuses. This defensiveness obscures the crystal-clear source of all relationship difficulties. The origin is the brokenness in every person, the selfishness woven into our nature after the fall from the original perfect design, the perpetual flaw that compels us to act and think in hurtful ways to others. If the problem in a relationship seems fuzzy it really isn’t; we only try to make it that way so we don’t claim our sinful, self-serving behavior.
On the second matter, there are countless places within the ancient text where help is available. For example, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Need help figuring out what a problem is all about or how to solve it? Talk to God, read the words of ancient scripture, or find a quiet place to meditate on the infinite source of invisible wisdom available. Uncertain how to talk to the invisible? The ancient scriptures even provide some suggested ways to ask for help, such as “Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8).
Ancient Mystery’s Voice provides clarity regarding all problems in relationships. That uncomfortable origin is in each person's tendency to seek self-benefit at the expense of others. For any situation where the problem at hand seems fuzzy, there is wisdom available for the asking, even suggesting ways to ask for that wisdom.
Living in Mystery
What does it mean to live in the mystery of fuzzy problems, finding clarity for solutions? Put more mental energy into identifying and understanding a problem than you do in applying a solution. First it involves recognizing the essential first step of problem definition. Before rushing in with a flurry of remedies, pause and ponder the source of the problem.
For problems in relationships, have the courage to admit the problem isn’t between the people but within each of them. All people are broken and in their damaged nature they behave in ways that are selfish and hurtful. Period. Each of us would rather defend ourselves and rationalize the destructive ways we behave, but the true solution for relationship problems will only come through confession of our own hurtful actions and forgiveness of those behaviors in others.
While waiting for a situation to be resolved, don’t surrender to the lie that you can’t enjoy life until all problems are solved. Life is happening now. There will always be something in your world that isn’t how you want it to be. Get over it. Find joy now.
Problems can be extremely distracting. Refuse to let the problem be your focus no matter how anxious you are to solve it. Sometimes the only way to find clarity is to blur your focus on the problem, taking a step back from it. With that shift in focus, turn your gaze to the infinite source of wisdom. Rest in a place of nature, listening and waiting for a better perspective to settle into your mind. Wait there until you know what is your next step.
Lastly, remember that many questions are best answered with the “Sunday School answer”: Jesus. Instead of trying to force a solution, relax and ask Jesus to show you the way to go. Whatever the problem, Jesus is the solution, specifically “more Jesus.” That might mean recognizing how we fall short of perfect glory but are justified by the perfect sacrifice and love of the Lord. The “more Jesus” solution may involve turning to him for the capacity to forgive someone who has hurt you. It might be seeking “more Jesus” for guidance, strength, or comfort during a trying time.
Life is fraught with fuzzy problems, where it can be hard to find clarity so solutions can be applied. Remember to seek understanding of the problem before working to solve it. If solutions are slow, rest in a place of natural beauty to help you wait or know what to do next. For problems between people, apply “more Jesus.” For fuzzy problems for which you can’t find clarity, apply “more Jesus.” Finding clarity for a solution to a fuzzy problem begins with seeking that clarity in accurate problem definition. Start there before rushing in with remedies.
Connecting with Mystery
Dear Lord of All Mystery, this life seems so complicated. I confess to making things fuzzy when there are difficulties in my relationships; help me to recognize the source of those problems and seek the solutions that only come from You. When I am spinning my wheels trying to figure out what to do, remind me to rest and to seek perspective. Thank You for being an all-purpose remedy for my fuzzy problems. Amen.
Notes from Dr. Mac
If you want to do your own investigation of any of the scriptures I use, I suggest you go to Bible Gateway. This free online version of the Bible allows a search of words or phrases in various translations. I encourage you to read the Psalm of your choice, speaking the words as a conversation with God.
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