Here is a message I got from Hope Healing Words which I receive daily in email form.  Maybe many of you do too.  This message spoke to me as this was certainly me in my past and something I’m still struggling with, but feel I am doing somewhat better.

Sometimes we say too much.  We do not want to let someone down when they ask us to do something, so we go ahead and commit when we are not sure if we will be able to do so.  Then, we let them down because we have taken on too much. I don’t know about you, but this is what happens to me time and time again.  However, James 5:12 tells us, “But most of all brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else.  Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.”

So how can we honor commitments, but at the same time not take on too much? First, we must decide the things in life that are a priority and important to us.  If family is important to you, then make a commitment that you will consult your family before deciding anything. Commit to spend time with them and make them feel like they are your priority.  If church is your priority, then commit to getting involved and making it important.  If your children are your priority then make sure they know. Commit to getting involved in what they are involved in.  Above all, if you make God your number one priority above all else, then everything will fall in line. You will not feel split if He is your priority.

It is okay to say no to things that are not your priority.  Always take everything into consideration before giving an answer, but once you have given an answer, let your yes be yes and your no be no.

I was never been a person who didn’t follow through with what I committed myself to doing, but I often felt stressed, resentful and worn out.  I really fit the old adage, “The more you do, the more you do”. I promised myself when I retired, I would only do things I enjoyed and wanted to do.  For the most part, five years into retirement as of today, I have followed this vow pretty well and have learned to say “no”, however, I have nagging feelings that I am letting someone down when I say “no”, but I’m getting better.

I always know I have our Heavenly Father to count on, even when I have let Him down.  What a blessing that His love is in my life and I am thankful everyday for those simple words, “God loves you unconditionally”.  The words may be simple, but He never lets us down and His actions are the most powerful in our lives.  Thanks be to God!

Patty

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