Say Yes!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT)

I had already taken two walks that morning, so when Ray said, “Are you ready to hit the gym?” I wasn’t. I mean not at all. I was busy and tired and had no desire whatsoever to add a third exercise regime to my day. I was very tempted to say no and just stay home. At the same time, I knew Ray and I had only recently started the gym routine. Not to mention, he had worked all day teaching and really needed the exercise. I also knew that my husband loves my company and would be happier exercising with me. In fact, one reason I had suggested the gym in the first place was to give us more “together time.” So, I said yes.

One sweaty hour later, Ray was holding my hand on the way back to the car. We chatted together about our progress and laughed about one of the machines we were just learning to use. He squeezed my hand. “Thank you for doing this with me.” My heart melted. As I relaxed in the car for the drive home, I was very thankful I hadn’t backed out and had actively taken time for an outing with my honey.

The sad truth is that too often it’s way too easy to say no, especially to those closest to us—and especially when we’ve jammed in an abundance of activities with others. When we technically see someone every day, whether a spouse or a child or perhaps even a parent, we can start to think that we don’t have to actually do things with them. But we do. Relationships thrive best when we give each other intentional time. And that can mean laying aside our own needs and desires. It can be tempting to keep reading that online article or watching that show … but usually it’s more important to turn from it to the wonderful humans we live with.

So … let’s take a deep breath and practice saying a selfless yes when:

• Our spouse suggests we do an activity together … even when we have little interest in it.
• A parent asks if we’d like to come over and visit or invites us out to dinner or shopping.
• A child wants to show us his latest project or tell us about her dreams.
• A sibling calls with a desire to chat and catch up.
• Our God invites us to meet with Him each day.

Paul’s comments on love in 1 Corinthians 13 remind me how I am to treat those I love. I need these reminders from this great chapter of the Bible. How easy it is to become impatient instead of patient, unkind instead of kind … to those who are the very closest to me. This should not be!

The key to knowing when to say yes is to have a firm grasp on our priorities. Unless we actively make a list and acknowledge which individuals need and deserve our time, it’s crazy-easy to neglect the most important ones. Is God your first love? Is your husband getting left out in all your busyness? What about your children? Let’s make sure the relationships we value and cherish receive adequate time before we move on to other things and other wonderful people. Say yes to what matters most.

Father, forgive me for the times I put laziness and selfishness before the reasonable requests of my family Forgive me, most of all, when I neglect You—my number One. Help me to love well. Help me to show that love by not demanding my own way but being mindful of my loved ones’ needs. Thank You for the kind, patient love You give to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission 
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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