“No”

I promise I’m still here…

I’ve been super busy with church, school, wedding, leading worship at few places around little rock, etc. hopefully things will slow down soon..

I remember a time, back in college, when I use to brag about how busy I was…whether it was the amount of papers I had to do…the amount of retreats I was leading…the late nights…early mornings…no time to sleep…no time to eat…(well maybe not that one)…i was just stressed!

but i boasted about it…it was like i wanted to be busy…so that others would think i was busy…(doesn’t make since i know)

halfway through my senior year of college, my life had become so busy that i noticed it was taking a toll on my relationships with people…the joy i once felt from building relationships and doing ministry was gone…so i tried out a new word…it was something I had learned at a really young age but somehow forgot about it…instead of always saying “yes”…i said “no”

the amount of freedom and the release of stress that came when I first told someone “no” was indescribable…so from then on I made a conscience effort to try to balance my life…

“start small…go deep”

don’t do everything…you can’t…focus on a few things…do them well…

(i say all these things as I just talked about how busy i’ve been lately…)

what do you do to keep from overworking?
how do you balance your life?
do you have a problem with saying “no”?

3 Comments on ““No”

  1. Grant, Overworking and balance at one time was a difficult thing for me. In fact-I was nuts!
    I began a Bible study. I can’t even remember the name of it.
    It was about finding my worth and value in God. I realized my lack of balance and workaholic lifestyle were nothing more than an attempt for me to find my value there.
    I’m so not perfect-but God taught me through this that my value is in Him. I learned to rest in Him. If you only knew what a miracle that is!
    I also, wanted to invite you to come to our church for a series of meetings beginning Sept 16th. Paul Burleson is speaking on Mon, Tues and Wed of that week at 6. He is also having a mens breakfast on Tues morning and luncheons every day. I hope you can make some of it.
    Call me at work or email me if you need directions.
    Blessings
    Alycelee

  2. I had a problem saying “no” until the middle of my senior year in college, when school got the most difficult for me. Now, piece of cake. 🙂
    I’m learning that being miss sociable is not the most important thing in life…and it’s okay to sleep sometimes. 🙂
    how are you doing?
    p.s. I didn’t know you were engaged…congrats! When’s the big day?

  3. Man, did I read this one at the right time! I started back to work last week (in a school so had summers off), my kids’ hockey is in full swing, and I’m venturing into many new areas of ministry leading toward job change in the future. All of that includes so much extra work–I realize I need to ‘schedule in’ down time!!! thanks for the reminder!