Non, Nein,
Nyet.
I know how
to say it in other languages, Lord,
why can’t
I say it in English?
The
teacher asked me to assist with computers
on the one
afternoon I had reserved for myself.
I hear
myself saying, “Yes, I’ll be there.”
The Bible
Study Coordinator called and said
they were
in a pinch. Could I teach this year?
Every
week. 34 weeks. Sure. Why not?
The
Brownie leader stopped by and introduced herself.
Any chance
I could help at the meetings?
“No
problem,” I chirped. “I’d be happy to.”
Who wants
to be in charge of soccer pictures?
I look
around. No hands are raised.
“It
can’t take much time,” I thought. “I’ll do it.”
The Food Pantry called. They need volunteers.
You told
us to feed the hungry, didn’t You?
Of course.
I can do that. When do you need me?
But
somewhere along the line, I learned to
say it,
Lord. I heard myself saying “No.”
My
daughter asked, “Can you read to me?”
“No, not
now. I’m working on my lesson.”
My son
limped in from football practice. “How
about a
back rub, Mom?”
“Sorry,
honey, I have to get to a meeting.”
My husband
called home from work.
“Can you
meet me for lunch?”
“Afraid
not, dear. I have to work at the school.”
And You
whispered in my ear, Lord, and
asked me
to spend some time with You.
“I
can’t. I’m really busy,” I said. “How about next
week?
Maybe I’ll be caught up by then.”
Yes and
no. Little words. Big implications.
Give me
the wisdom I need to say no to the
little
things so I can say yes to the big ones.
And, yes,
Lord, that means You.
In
Whose Name, I Pray, Amen
Amen.
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