The art of saying no, and yes
August 28, 2007 | T. Suzanne Eller
I have refined saying “no” to a fine art. I know when to say “this is not for me” or “this is not the time” or maybe even “this is an amazing opportunity, but the ultimate Boss says nope”.Saying no keeps me focused. It stops me from getting spread so thin that I am ineffective at many things, instead of diligent in a few. It allows me to say yes to those opportunities, large or small, public or private, that place me exactly where I should be.
For some, it’s hard to say no for whatever reason–whether it’s pleasing people or the need simply seems too great and if we don’t do it, who will?
When you learn to say no for all the right reasons, you experience how awesome it is to say yes.
Last Sunday night I stood with the 20somethings in my church. I had the opportunity to pray with a few of my awesome friends, and as I prayed I felt God move. I don’t know exactly what He was doing in each life; I just knew that something was happening. I could see it in their response to God, and I could feel it inside of me.
And God spoke something very private in my heart, something about how I come to life when I say yes and I’m exactly where I should be, doing exactly what he made me to do.
Maybe there is a new door opening. We’ll see what He has in mind, and I’ll share more later.
But what about you? Do you say no when you should? Do you weigh it, pray about it, seek direction rather than cave in to pressure or try to please everyone around you?
And do you say yes? Or do you allow insecurity or fear, or maybe even busyness, to keep you from finding where you are gifted, or where He wants you to be, or do?
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