… Saying “No”

You’d think I’d have the practice of saying “no” with a toddler who is constantly asking for muffins, sharp objects and tv shows (not to mention the amount of times I've heard it daily from her). I think the truth is, it's a lot easier to say "no" to BabyK than it is myself.

I‘m the kind of person who has many interests. Although it is good to find enjoyment in doing many things, it can be overwhelming when signing up to do too many things. I’m also the kind of person who loves to help. If there is a need to be filled and I know I can fill it, I want to.

Unfortunately, in this season of my life, I am starting to see warning signs of biting off more than I can chew. Perhaps the lack of opportunity to be busy during the COVID lockdowns has made me miss a full schedule. But even if that is the case, I think my ability to handle multiple social responsibilities has atrophied. As I’m running up to cannon ball into the old routines of life, I’m realizing that this time I would have preferred to wade in slowly.

So here is my choice. Instead of plunging in as planned, I will slow down and start saying “no”. It’s ok if I can’t be everything to everyone. What I do, I want to do well and for the Glory of Christ. Sometimes, it's ok to say "no" as long as I'm saying "yes" to the right things. There's little point in spreading myself so thin that I am no longer being used as God has called me. Different seasons will bring different opportunities. I'm looking forward to seeing how being more intentional with my commitments will shape this current season.

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Matthew 5:37

"All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."