By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain
Full Handbags
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| Say no or your bag gets heavy |
I've switched out my handbag. To do that, I had to say goodbye to my favorite wallet. Other essentials hit the trash bin. I'm carrying some in my hands because they don't fit.
I had to. I can't say no, and my husband, Neil, doesn't like to carry things.
Keys? In my bag.
His wallet? In my bag.
Phones? You've guessed it.
I quickly discovered, the bigger the bag, the bigger the burden. I had two choices--say no to Neil (but he's so sad, so pathetic when he pouts, that it's easier to say no to a crying infant than him) or get a smaller bag.
"Look, honey," I can now say with my sultriest smile, "it won't fit."
That's our lives. If we don't say no--our baggage gets heavier. I'm sure you've heard the adage, "If you need something done, ask a busy woman." That female is the one who can't say no.
Need: a ride to the market? a Sunday school class taught? clean-up after fellowship meals? babysitting for the grandkids? chaperone for the third grade field trip? boy scout leader? volunteer for roadside cleanup? customer for the Pampered chef party? a visit to an invalid?
Which of the above is your gift? What do you feel led to do? Which resonates with you?
Say yes to that. No to the rest.
Not long ago, my daughter exploded (no, not literally, that would be gross). Some little thing unleashed the A-bomb in her--maybe the need to pick up bread for lunch? She does everything, especially when it comes to her kids. Sometimes everything becomes a bit too much.
I wonder where she learned it?
I've apologized to Sarah many times for teaching her the inability to say no.
Say no. When you do, you'll discover:
- God's burden is easy and light. How I used to hate that scripture. My life used to be frazzled with activities--most out of my realm of giftings.
- It's easy and fun to volunteer for those few sacrificial things we all need to do--like picking up roadside trash.
- We'll have time to use the gifts God's given us. I resigned from choir because I can't sing. Now I have time to get home and write.
- Another Hiroshima won't be unleashed. It's never fun being around a balloon that bursts--let alone the atomic bomb.
God always answers prayer. We've heard this adage, too. Sometimes yes, sometimes wait, and sometimes God says no.
If God can say no, why can't you?
What holds you back?
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