I am certain you have heard the adage that if you say “yes” to one thing you are essentially saying “no” to something else.  A simple google search will garner a myriad of articles discussing this very topic.  The words may be arranged differently but the meaning is the same.

The reality is, there are a million things vying for our attention.  We have unlimited access to information at the palm of our hands. It is easy to become distracted and unfocused when we are not lead and governed by a clear vision. What is your goal? What do you hope to accomplish? I have found in my own life, when my focus is skewed, so is my “yes.” If I am distracted, I waste time on things of no true value in the long run. Sometimes, I have said “yes” out of a feeling of obligation.  I was more concerned with how I would be perceived and did not want to say “no” at the risk of hurting someone’s feelings. I have since learned, it is actually okay to say “no”.  (That is a whole other message in itself.  I digress.) In other instances, there are conflicting priorities.  Two options present themselves and choosing one over the other is not so black and white.

While driving home from church, my friend and I were discussing our plans for the evening.  She had been invited to a friend’s birthday party which was due to begin in a few hours; she had already RSVP’d for the event but now was debating whether or not she should attend. She needed to study a monologue for an upcoming audition. She also had to rise early the next morning for work. If she said “yes” to the event, she would be saying “no” to preparing for her audition and possibly a good night’s rest. If she said “yes” to studying, she was saying “no” to celebrating with her friend. I share this example because it reflects this concept perfectly.  We all have found ourselves in situations where we have to weigh our decisions carefully. In that moment, she had to determine what was most important in the grand scheme of things. Was it preparing for her audition or depositing into her friend’s love bank? How would she reconcile the two conflicting choices?

I have learned many times, saying “yes” requires sacrifice. It is not always convenient or easy. You may have to miss out on a friend’s party because the goals you are pursing demand a greater level of commitment in a particular season of your life. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, we will see the fruit of our “yes” or our “no.”  Our decisions have a huge impact over time. Our present situation and circumstances often times reflect what we the decisions we are have made in the past. You have the power to make choices that will either push you forward or cause you to get off track. It’s your choice.

I want leave you with a few questions to reflect on.  Be honest. Self- reflection plays a vital role in our continued growth and development. As you ponder your answers, identify one thing you can do differently today that will push you closer to reaching your goals and DO IT!

What am I saying “yes” to consistently?

What am I saying “no” to consistently?

What am I focused on in this season?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Give me the discernment to know what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to in this season of my life. May my priorities be in alignment with what You want me to focus on. Help me to create the necessary boundaries and adjustments required for me to be successful. Help me to steward my time and my resources properly so that nothing is wasted.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.