The steps necessary after the initial decision is made are as important as the decision itself.
—John Vawter

There really was no choice. After four years of growth, despite enlarging the parking lot, our problem was becoming more severe.

Street parking was already jammed. Purchase of adjacent land wasn't feasible. The only alternative, concluded the long-range planning committee, was to pave part of the church ball field, which hadn't been used in three years and was covered with weeds two feet high.

The elders voted unanimously to recommend the proposal at the next congregational meeting. It seemed such an obvious decision that we quickly moved on to the next item of business.

At the congregational meeting, however, person after person raised strong objections:

"Buy more property."

"We built that for the kids."

"Are you certain we need more parking?"

When the vote was taken, the motion failed to carry. I was more stunned than disappointed. I was amazed at the vociferous reaction over a minor ...