About the NO
Going into this new season of life, I have struggled with my yesses and no’s (or is that noes?) I think most of us women tend to not understand the word “no.” It seems to be the case for me. The thing is—I don’t want to miss anything. I want to do it all, be involved with it all. And I find that I have limitations that I really don’t want to have. My generation of women were always taught that we can do anything and everything we want to do. To find that this is simply not true is a rude awakening for me.
In the last couple of months, I have narrowed my focus to a few things that I want to do. I want to finish them and do them well. I want to interact with others in a couple of the projects. It will take some planning. Which takes focus. Which takes time. Which means there must be a “no” to something else.
But, I still operate on “I can do it all!” I said “yes” to at least three wonderful activities that I had to call back with a “no.” It was humiliating. Back tracking is most definitely a worthless occupation as far as I am concerned.
About the YES
When “no” is practiced, it does make room for “yes.” This weekend, I could say “yes” to a friend and we went to Wallace Idaho for a day. We had such fun trekking some trails, up and down some very steep stairs (good for health), visited the famous train station and heard a very informative and entertaining history of trains coming through the area. We even learned about a very early form of copying information (a hundred pound press through onion skin copied ink to paper!) and an early form of email (a message on a wire held out to the train engineer as he went by).
Next time we’ll visit the mines, but that’s for another “yes” day.
About Making Room
This “yes” day was so much fun. And I am learning to trust God to order my time and my days to make room for more “yes” days. It’s not easy to give Him that control. After all, I want to do it all. But maybe doing it all is not His plan for me. Maybe doing some things well and enjoying other things in their season is His plan for me. I just need to ask Him to direct my steps.
“The steps of a good man (or woman!) are ordered by the Lord, and (s)he delights in his/her way” Psalm 37:23.
Linda Jo, great post! As I age, I’m learning the Fort Knox gold brick value of intentionality, too. I’ve scaled back on commitments and find that simplifying allows quality over quantity – and Christ’s peace flows there.
Wow! Fort Knox sure says it! Still working on that simplifying that let’s Christ’s peace flow! You say things so well, Lynn. Thank you.
Such lovely fall photos! What a great Yes Day you’ve shared with us. Definitely tracking with your train of thought. Too often in the past my “yeses” have created their own train wreck! Here’s to saying the holy no, as needed, and the wholehearted yes, as directed!
Amen, Sistah!!
Loved this post, LJo! Especially this line:
“Maybe doing some things well and enjoying other things in their season is His plan for me.”
I believe that right there is truth.
Hugs, Nanc
Thanks, Nanc. Yep, I think that’s true. Each thing in it’s time. I sure wish that were an easy lesson to learn.
Such wise words. I have struggled with saying no. It shows in the unfinished things in my life. Time to set boundaries and stop worrying about what others will think.
Unfinished things? Oh my goodness. I understand! I’m going to work on finishing some of those things, too. And setting our boundaries are definitely what we need to do. You are not alone, my friend!