One of the hardest things in life is saying no.
In the most unusual 24-hour span of my life this week, I received 8, yes EIGHT invitations to speak or to be interviewed.
Student projects. Media interviews. Church services. Conferences. Campaign videos.
Seriously- what was going on?
Are there days you feel the same too- where the world is asking for more, more, MORE of you, and yet there is only… but one of you.
One of you for your husband. For your children. Your extended family. People you shepherd. For God.
What does one say yes or no to?
I remind myself, that instead of feeling guilt, that for every NO I say, I am making room for and saying YES to the people and things that matter. When we think it’s easier to say yes, we forget that for every YES we say, we are, in fact, saying NO to a dozen, hundred other things. So really, why should we feel bad for saying no?
Recently in Africa, when I finished “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” I read about planning our week ahead and creating time slots for the people and things which matter, prioritizing God and family above work and ministry. That takes work. It takes intention.
There are times I wished I didn’t need to cook, clean, or watch my time while away as my children jumped in puddles or dried leaves.
But- do I see the people God has gifted me as treasures to steward? Do I trust that my limitations are a gift from God? That saying “no” is not negative, but absolutely positive if done in obedience?
Do we trust what Psalm 16:5-11 tell us- that God alone is our portion and our cup, that He makes our lot secure. That our boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places, and that in spite of those lines, or perhaps precisely because of them- we have a delightful inheritance?
Because of that, we can confidently say no as an act of obedience to God. Because by doing so, we’re saying YES and leaving room for His priorities.
We embrace our limits courageously and revel in our limitations with delight.
So here’s to saying no. So we can YES to the things and people that truly matter. Let’s do this. 💪🏾