Discovering the Power of "Yes"

Everyone I know is stretched beyond their limits.  There are so many things that need to be done.  There are so many people who want something from us.  There are so many plans to be made and opportunities on which to follow through.  There are assignments to complete and people to please.  There are so many...

Our lives can get so out of whack because of all of these demands.  As the people we love see us running around trying to complete every task and accomplish other people's goals, they will often offer this sage advice, "You know, you really need to learn how to say, 'No.'" 

If only it were that easy, but it isn't.  Sometimes it feels as though it is impossible to tell people "No." 

So, what about a little different take on the situation?  What if the problem isn't that we don't know how to say "no"?  What if the problem is that we haven't clearly defined that to which we are compelled to say "yes"? 

Let's be clear right from the start. I am not talking about the easy yeses that are quick to come by.  Neither am I talking about the yeses that can prove to be harmful or injurious at times. The yeses under discussion are the yeses to which time, deliberation and intentionality must be given. 

Take a moment to consider your yeses. 

What are the things to which you feel called to respond in the affirmative?
What are you willing to commit to?

Say yes to...

Faith
Hope
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Self-Control
Life
Forgiveness
Justice
Healing
Hope

Things like these do not come easily.  They take commitment and intentionality. 

However, they also have the power to transform and frame that to which we must say "no".

To what will we say "yes"?