The whole “forest and trees” thing is real …

We like to joke that some people “can’t see the forest because of the all the trees.” The phrase suggests a person who isn’t seeing something that’s very obvious and in front of them.

Here’s a real example.

Because the ministry I lead is a very poor non-profit, a portion of my work has to be done out of a Starbucks. The public restroom in this coffee shop looks like this:

It is clearly identified as the restroom.

However, there’s a door before you get to the restroom door. That door has the same kind of lock requiring a code to open it. But there’s a sign on this door clearly identifying that door leads to a room for employees only (it’s the photo at the top of this post). Even though that door’s sign clearly states “Employees Only,” many times each day customers attempt to enter the code for the restroom into the lock on the “Employees Only” door, and many get frustrated when it won’t open.

They can’t see the forest because of the trees.

Or, in other words, they’re not paying attention to what is directly in front them, and therefore they expect something that just won’t happen.

I see a similar experience with many people who come for counseling. Their lives may be in shambles — sometimes because of circumstances beyond their control, and often because of choices they’ve made and actions they’ve taken — yet they sit perplexed and say, “I don’t know how I got here.”

“Forest for the trees.”

To move forward, they will have to begin to take note of what they’re thinking, of their self-talk, because their thoughts create their emotions, and the combination of their thoughts and emotions create their behavior (action). That’s often how they got to where they are (not always).

Every day, we have tens of thousands of thoughts, most of which are at a subconscious level. Learning to be more aware of what we’re thinking is called “self-awareness,” and being more self-aware so we can live a more thoughtful life is exactly what the Apostle Paul instructs us to do. First, Paul admonishes us to be careful how we live — eyes wide open to trees and forest:

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days,” Ephesians 5:15-16, and then Paul adds, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do,” Ephesians 5:17.

Notice Paul says don’t ACT thoughtlessly, which would mean we need to think first so we can act intentionally. In the process, we need to have the knowledge and relationship to understand what the Lord wants us to do in any setting, and then act that way.

It’s sounds so simple. Sometimes it is, but being deeply habitual toward being more thoughtless or less intentional can make it a challenge.

But it’s possible.

Especially when empowered by the Holy Spirit living in you.

Then it can change your life.

Scotty