Why not?

When considering more deeply the meaning of things, meditating on God's work, and discovering beauty - the question "why" is often the one to ask. Yet, that question is often the first to surface also when it comes to making decisions. 

This can be good, of course, but what happens when the "why should I" isn't strong enough to get you to move? What happens when you are faced with multiple good choices, as in vocational discernment? What happens when the "why" becomes foggy and the mind begins to play games: this or that? 

I have a daring solution: "Why not?"  Very often the answer to "why not" is full of hidden fears and motives.  Or it might reveal very legitimate reasons for the course you are following.  "Why not" challenges us to see WHY we are putting things off, stifling progress, in spritual ruts, and emotionally slow in rejoicing when faced with difficult things. Let's take an imaginary conversation:

Mary: Will you please move to Rome?

Max: (Why would I want to go to Rome? Why leave Poland? Why me? Why face all those people and difficulties? Why put my health through that?) No, I don't think I'm healthy enough. 

Mary: OK. Perhaps you are right.

Max: (Wait.... Why NOT go to Rome? My health - is God's. I'm afraid of leaving. I'm afraid of the culture. Well, that's stupid. Do I belong to the Lord, or not? Sigh) Mary, sorry, I don't want to get in the way. There is no reason NOT to go, even though I can think of lots of reasons WHY I don't want to leave or go there.  

Mary: Thanks, Max. 

It is a subtle difference, I admit. But try it - face those fears, doubts, and hesitations. Root out the laziness, pride, and anger. Why not?