Overthinking

Thoughts on Overthinking

People in rural communities seem to have the ability to shrink the time between problem identification and taking action. Instead of forming committees and holding meetings, they simply roll-up their sleeves and get things done. I don't think it’s a coincidence that rural states seem to be doing better rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last week our family finally recovered from COVID.  We had hoped that living miles from our closest neighbors would protect us, but these neighbors amazed us. They went right to work, checking on us continually and leaving meals outside every day to avoid getting infected. Helping one's neighbor by plowing their field, gathering stray cattle, or bringing food is a vital part of this pioneer community's culture.

I recently read about some fishing ships caught in a terrible storm. The locals immediately wanted to launch a rescue, but representatives from the Coast Guard and Navy insisted on holding meetings to determine the proper protocol and develop a plan. Unfortunately, by the time they had their plan, the ships had sunk. A man who lost his brother lamented that while organizing and planning are necessary,  "We must not delay going to the rescue!"