We live in the busiest time the world has yet to see.
We schedule our days away, we are involved in many things and we are always reachable due to our advancing technology. Not to mention the social lives that we like to enjoy and the ministries and organizations we are more than willing to be a part of, but where is the balance?
Is it ok to say no sometimes? The answer is yes.
“Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.” - Barbara De Angelis
You may be a woman that wants to be a part of everything, and I can understand that. But, how can we do things well if we’re spread so thin?
Would we rather be women who do great with few things or mediocre with many?
I can’t help but think there is more to life than being “busy.”
In order to be full and ready to pour out, we have to take time for ourselves.
What keeps you from saying no? Maybe these thoughts sound familiar:
- I feel guilty for saying no.
- I want to do it all, even though I’m so tired.
- I don’t want anybody to be upset with me.
- I feel like I have to say yes.
You weren't created to run yourself ragged.
In my opinion, it’s simple: If the Lord wanted us to do it all, our giftings wouldn’t be diverse. If we were capable of doing it all, there’d be no need for Him. If we didn’t need rest, He wouldn’t have mentioned it. (If it was important thousands of years ago, wouldn’t you think it definitely is today?)
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31
“…Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
It’s ok to say no without justification. It’s ok to want to spend the evening at home by yourself. It's ok to say no to drama. It’s ok to prayerfully prioritize your ministry efforts and admit you can’t do it all. After all, if who you’re saying no to has your best interest at heart, they will desire for you to be rested as well.
