I believe one of the best ways to enjoy the present moment and avoid undue stress is to refuse to let every little thing upset you. In other words, choose your battles, and don’t make mountains out of molehills.
Before you devote time, energy, and emotion to an issue or a situation, asks yourself two questions. First, ask yourself how important it is; and second, ask yourself how much of your time, effort, and energy is really appropriate for you to put into it. Know what really matters in life, and focus on those things. Learn to discern the difference between major matters and minor matters.
In Exodus 18:13–23, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, gave him great advice. Moses was becoming exhausted because he personally handled every situation, dispute, and crisis that arose among the Israelites. Perhaps he thought he had to do so, since he was the leader of the nation. Jethro said to him, essentially, “You take care of the big things, and leave the small stuff to someone else.” He went on to say, “If you will do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to endure [the strain], and all these people also will go to their [tents] in peace” (Exodus 18:23).
I’m sure your life has plenty of strain without adding anything more. When you are tempted to take on a “battle,” step back first and decide if it’s worth what it will require of you.
Think about It
Think about your current battles. Which ones do you need to walk away from and which ones are worth fighting?
