I recently finished reading “The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKuerst.  I highly recommend it if you are like me and struggle to say “no” for fear of disappointing someone or fear of missing a great opportunity. Over the past year,  I have been trying to be more intentional with how I spend my time. Too often, I find myself giving my time, energy, and focus to things that are not high on my priority list. Unfortunately, that means my family and friends get the last of me. I have to believe this is not what God intended for my life. Is it possible to have a fulfilling career and NOT spend the majority of my time working? I don’t know. I am seeking God’s direction.

Today I came across this blog and it really spoke to me.  The writer speaks to the “courage” it takes to say “no”.  She also quotes Teddy Roosevelt, ” “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Wow!  That puts things into perspective!

My desire truly is to bring glory to God and to show his love to my students and colleagues. But, I don’t want to neglect showing love to those who mean the most to me. I have been very blessed and know that God has a purpose for those crazy, sometimes overwhelming, desires and aspirations that I take too far. I just need to discern the “best yes” that is in line with God’s plan.