YES’S AND NO’S- Jennifer Williams
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31b
Some days there is a storm brewing in my brain. Not what you typically think of as a brainstorm. This one is different. The kind of storm that occurs if I have to think about one more thing. Those days I feel like I need to send out a weather alert to my family and friends that says “Severe Thunderstorm Possible. Take Shelter Immediately.” These storms usually start as a result of an overextended schedule and commitments. Too many yes’s and not enough no’s. Then, when the unexpected happens, boom! The storm instantly moves from a category 1 to a category 5! I am headed for a meltdown.
I have learned that my life, and my family’s life, must have margin and rest. Jesus modeled it himself:
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31
Does that ever feel like your life? No down time. Not even to eat. Sure, some days are going to be nuts. It can’t be helped. However, we don’t have to live that way constantly. We must be intentional to carve out margin and rest in our schedules so that we are mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. When we do, and the unexpected happens, (which it always will), we will have the capacity to handle it.
From Lysa TerKeurst’s book,The Best Yes: “The decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul.” We have to intentionally choose our yes’s and no’s. Our brains, bodies and souls can’t handle wearing the banner of busy continuously. We have to intentionally X out margin on our calendars for needed rest for ourselves and our families.