I have been feeling a little over committed lately. This is nothing new for me but in light of the new direction I find my life going, and in order be available to say yes to the prompting of the Holy Spirit at a moments notice, I need to simplify my life. Part of that is learning when to say no...even when what I am saying no is something that I enjoy doing...even when saying no means hurting someones feelings...even when saying no just plain hurts.
"When you need to take action, I will guide your clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and over stimulating that you can easily lose sight of your direction...As you look to me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more." Sarah Young, Jesus Calling
Before saying yes or no, before taking on a new project or volunteering for one more thing, I need to seek Gods counsel, wait on His directions and obey the prompting of His Spirit. Even good things are not necessarily the right things to spend my time on. If I equate my time with God's time (which it is) then I need to be more selective in how I spend it. God knows more than I how much energy I have to devote to service and when my mind and body need rest. I need to seek His counsel first and always.
Doing this with a loving heart and a tender spirit will hopefully gain me grace from those who I've always said yes to in the past.
What about you? Is it hard for you to say no or have you learned the importance of this already?
xo, Patty
Patty, this is wisdom!!! This is something that I'm learning, and it's a good thing because I'm usually a "yes girl". I mean, it's hard for me to say no without feeling guily. I'm a people pleaser, but I've found that adding things to my life without first praying about them leads to a full life that is unfulfilling! Thanks for this reminder, because I need it. You're a blessing to the blogging community!!
ReplyDeleteLeslie :)
Oh girl, this is the post for me, actually I've been so annoyed today because I've said yes to things & have felt so disrespected when finished, not how I should react but maybe I should allow myself the freedom to say no when I feel its all too much.
ReplyDeleteDef need to take hold of this & feel that same sense of blessing you have posted about here
Thanks Patty xxxx
God bless you Karen x
Good post! Good topic, that's for sure! Years ago, a friend tried teaching me to say, "No", but it took many more years for it to really sink in! With the years passing so quickly, I'm trying to simplify, simplify, simplify - but it is hard!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on this important issue!
Jane
I do not know how to say no either! It has gotten me into a lot of trouble too! Just feeling overwhelmed and wrung out!! I am better, but still, I say yes to more than I should. But in truth, this entire past year, since my husband has changed jobs, we have really simplified our lives drastically. It has been a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
It has taken some practice but I am pretty good at it now...with no regrets. It has found me enjoying my home more and really living in the 'moment'...it is refreshing and invigorating. It will come in time and yes, you may lose some friends over it...and some family won't understand...but that is okay...it is your life to chose with God's guidance what to do with it.
ReplyDeleteSaying no has always been an issue for me...especially with church things...then with kids...but at some point you have to be able to choose wisely where you put you time....I still struggle but Im getting a little better....
ReplyDeleteOh yes!! I have always struggled with this. There is a lot of insight to my problem in what you said. I have recognized it in times past and felt through God's help it was under control. Then slowly things build up and I'm is the same situations again. After the reminders you so well wrote, I will be more diligent in how I pray about "Just saying No". You have a way with words and much wisdom, my friend.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a lesson we all need to learn again and again according to what life season we are walking in? I seemed to know the limits, then get caught up in it again. Great post and reminder
ReplyDeleteIt took until sixty for me to even start saying no. I'm still not great at it but it's a start. ~ Maureen
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