One of the emails I get consistently is about being tired. My friends are tired. Over-worked, frustrated, too busy, always on the go, no time for her/himself. Wow, can I relate? I think so.
One of the things my husband says to me on a regular basis is, "you need to learn to say no."
I'd like to know how to do that. When an elderly friend calls and needs help with her computer, she has no money to hire someone, is she where I start saying no? Or what about the friend who calls when I'm working on another project and "just needs to talk a minute". She's lonely. Do I say no to her? Or what about the fellow writer friends who want to send me parts of their manuscript for my critic? Do I tell them no?
I know you understand where I'm going. How do you divide your time? How do you say no?
I developed a plan of my own a few years ago. It's called PRAYER. Yup, that's "all" I do.
When I am feeling weary and frustrated and overwhelmed, I realize it's because I haven't included God in my plans that day. I've tried to "fix" it all myself. I can't do it. In fact, I never could do it by myself.
The hard part is not letting myself feel guilty about re-arranging my priorities. The laundry can wait. Grocery shopping doesn't have to be done this minute. Several tasks I've got on my list can be put off until tomorrow.
That's one of the things my hubby tells me all the time. "Do you have to do it today?" He's right. It can wait.
I'm baking chocolate chip cookies for him, but I think I can do it tomorrow.
4 comments:
I love this post. It made me realize that it's been a very long time since I had to say no. I remember a time when I was feeling overwhelmed by too many projects. Today I'm blessed with several quiet times during those busy schedules. If one particular day has been crazy, it never fails, the next day is super quiet and filled with peace. What a blessing.
Joylene told me we'd posted on the same topic, and so we have. :) Taking some of that time we don't think we have and spending it in prayer is like a miracle cure for whatever ails us. What I find, however, is that God doesn't always give me the strength and determination to get on with something I think is important, but surprises me instead by revealling my need need to say "no", and where to do so. His wisdom is awesome!
Joy,
Sometimes I'm not sure when to say no. But I have also been feeling so much peace lately---we worked in the yard yesterday, so that I could sit and enjoy today!
Hugs
Carol,
Great minds! Ha ha
I was prompted to write about saying no after I saw your blog AND three friends (one yesterday and two this morning) by friends who are feeling so much pressure and over committed. Hope you don't mind---you are an inspiration to me!
Hugs
Katt
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