My 4 year old son, Kaleb, plopped down beside me, happily smacking on his raisins I’d given him.
“Good?” I asked enthusiastically.
“Mmm hmm? He nodded his head while moving his eyebrows up and down at the same time. His little eyes twinkled with delight. Kaleb loves raisins. So does my husband Kenya and our other three children. Me? Not so much.
Actually, not at all. Yuck.
“For you mommy!” Kaleb smiled while extending his arm to hand me a raisin. Just great. :-/
So, with a forced grin I said, “Thank you for sharing with mommy! That’s so nice.”
“You’re welcome,” he politely replied, handing me another. Then another.
Then—“Thanks, but mommy’s had enough,” I quickly told him before having to pretend to enjoy another of those gross gummy raisins. So, without missing a beat, Kaleb popped it in his mouth, and hummed to himself, while I released a silent sigh of relief. I should have just used the “pleasant-no-technique” before having to force down the first few, right?
But, how many times in life do we behave this way? We allow individuals to force us into situations we don’t want to be in, all because we’re trying to be polite. Rather than speak up for ourselves, we plaster on a fake grin, and pretend to like it—whatever it is.
It may be a special request, favor, project, or demanding assignment of some kind. In any case, it’s up to us to kindly assert ourselves, and give a pleasant no when necessary. Personally, this lesson truly applies! I’m constantly bombarded with opportunities, suggestions, requests, and a long list of things to do from outside sources.
If I conceded all the time, my life would be totally crazy!
So, there are times when I have to say no thank you; I can’t; I’d love to, but…; go ahead without me; or, maybe next time. Honestly, sometimes I have to say no to myself and those “bright ideas” that threaten to sap my time, energy, resources, and distract me from focusing on my main priorities.
I know yes seems like a small word, but it can cost us a lot if we use it too often.
I admonish you to be loving, caring, compassionate and full of grace. Yet, that doesn’t mean always giving into the whims of everyone else, while neglecting your own needs.
Listen. There are so many different things you can succumb and acquiesce to, but the question is, should you? I always suggest praying about things first and asking God to show you what your answer should be.
TODAY’S PRAYER: God, I pray for balance. There are so many different things competing for my time and attention, and I need You to help me navigate my way through life’s treacherous waters. And, even though a part of me desires to give and help others, give me the wisdom to know when to say no. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
