The Best of 2009: The Year of Yes
Merry Christmas! I am taking a break to enjoy my family over the holidays. For your reading enjoyment, I’m posting the Best of 2009 series. Enjoy and see you when I return!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This post originally ran on January 4, 2009 and set the tone for my entire year. Will this be YOUR year of yes?
I say “no” a lot. Sometimes when people are talking, I’m thinking “no” before they finish asking their question.
Friend: “Do you want to…”
Me (thinking):“No, to whatever you’re asking.”
Friend (still talking) “…go out to lunch after church?”
Me (talking now): “Uh…No thanks”
My first response to my kids is usually “no” unless they can convince me a “yes” is warranted.
Kid: “Mommy, can we have a snack?”
Me: “No.”
Kid: “But we haven’t eaten since yesterday, and it’s noon…we’re weak and shakey!
Me (irritated): “OK. But only a fruit or a veggie…organic, please.”
I literally wake up with “no” on the brain.
My brain: “no…no…no….no….no…no”
I’m a lot like Jim Carrey’s character in the new movie “Yes Man.”
Except that Carrey plays a divorced, detached, loan officer…and he’s a dude.
.
I, of course, am a married mom/writer/laundry do-er, sort of bubbly and friendly…and I’m a chick
Other than those things, we are a lot alike.
Carrey’s life radically changes after he attends a motivational seminar where he makes a covenant to say “yes” to everything, no matter what. For this “No Woman” it was extremely liberating to watch Carrey’s character say “yes” to things that were completely out of his comfort zone, taking him to places he’d never go and meeting people he’d never know otherwise.
(FYI: I cannot fully endorse this movie, as some of the content was extremely inappropriate, so be forewarned. )
This concept, however, was right in sync with where I want to go this year. See, my goal in 2009 is to say “yes” to God, no matter what. The only stipulation for me is that I must be sure it’s God asking the question.
Because unlike Carrey’s character, who vowed to say “yes” to everything; I, as a child of God, cannot afford to do that. My life belongs to God. My family, my time, my talents, my money. I’ve committed it all to Him and only Him.
So I will, in 2009, say “yes” to Him and only Him.
“Yes” without hesitation.
“Yes” without reservation.
“Yes” even when I’m scared to death.
“Yes” even when it makes no sense.
“Yes” even when I can’t see how the pieces fit.
“Yes” even when there’s nothing in it for me.
“Yes” even when it’s hard.
“Yes” even when it cost me money.
“Yes” even when it messes with my schedule.
“Yes” even if it means less sleep.
Gulp…especially on the sleep one.
I can only imagine how many God-adventures I’ve missed out on, while I was thinking things through and weighing my options. How many missed opportunities to assist God in a miracle because it wasn’t on my schedule that day. How many times I didn’t even inquire to God about my schedule because, quite frankly, I didn’t want Him messing with my plans. Sometimes I don’t even ask Him what He wants from me, because I already have my agenda and I don’t want to be faced with a decision of obedience versus disobedience. I’d rather just plow ahead and hope for the best.
Ignorance is bliss, right?
…or is it?
I have a feeling there is spiritual blessing on the other side of “yes” that I have yet to experience.
Lately, I’ve been trying to picture myself as God’s go-to girl. The one He thinks of first when He has a really big assignment, because He knows I’ll get right on it and do a great job. I want to be in God’s inner circle (if there is such a thing). You know, the one He pulls aside to share secrets and privileged information. Can you imagine?
I’m tired of living in fear and wallowing in past hurts. I’m tired of counseling God about what would be best for me and my family. I’m sick of playing every single scenario out to its conclusion whenever God presents an opportunity to me. I’ve actually been known to make “Pro’s” and “Con’s” lists for most decisions, both big and small.
Have mercy! I’m getting on my own nerves just thinking about that!
I can sometimes picture God saying, “OK, you go crazy with that list, there, Sandy. I’ve got to go now and find someone ELSE to use. But I’ll catch you again on the flip side. Later!”
Seriously, what do I need to be afraid of when God is walking in front of me, behind me, beside and within me?
THE Almighty God–the One Who breathes, and galaxies are formed…yeah, THAT same God—asks me to do something, and I HESITATE?
What in the WORLD??
So I enter this year with a greater passion than ever to Hear the voice of The Good Shepherd. After all, this is where hearing His voice with crystal clarity would be a real asset, no?
Uh, I mean, yes?