Saying ‘no’

by | Dec 15, 2019 | Faith Blog

My good friend asked me to do an ongoing event with her. It would have been every other week for about 2 hours each time. There would be some planning to get the program together each time.
I said ‘no’. I’ve struggled with my answer because of how good this friend has been to me. It’s a great venture that she wants to do and I want to be supportive but I also realize that I did not have the capacity to take on such a commitment. 
As I’m writing this, I’m reminded that I read a lot of Lysa Terkeurst’s writings from the proverbs 31 ministries. She has talked about this topic often, I may want to do good things, but if I do so many good things, I will not have the capacity to do the God things when they come around.
I’m always very emphatic with my friends about guarding their time and making sure they are not doing church (or good) works to the point where they or their families are neglected. I’m trying to take that advice for myself.
So, as difficult as that decision was, I know it’s the right one, in this season, but instead offering to be there in a way that she will still feel supported and know how much I value her and our friendship.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to guard my time wisely. Help me not to jump on every opportunity because it may seem like a good idea at the time, but to truly seek your wisdom before I commit.