The 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?
Wow…you have so eloquently put into words what has running through my mind for weeks. Saying yes, with no reserves, and stepping out by faith has sometimes been hard for me. I would hesitate too and go through the “pro” and “con” deal. But God really got my attention during the last few months and after taking a HUGE step of faith with a situation in my life, I have experienced the greatest peace and assurance I have ever known! Thank the Lord for His patience and everlasting mercy! And thank you for a wonderful post!
BIG GULP her Sandy, you are speaking to me.
How funny, you were reading my mind! I logged in to post my latest and saw yours and started laughing.
Weren’t we just talking about affirmation??!!??
I love your insight and your humor and that picture of you!
Oh my goodness. I’ve been sitting here, mentally making my to-do list (my blog doesn’t even go on a list, it just happens) and I read your post. Why does quiet time with God need put on my list? I think my priorities are messed up here. Thanks for your obedience. It really does help others be obedient too! God bless!
I can TOTALLY relate, sista! It was so scary at first to say yes to God. Especially when He called me to leave all I know and love (including a mom battling breast cancer for the 4th time)to plant a church in a place I’ve never lived.
The unknown was my biggest hurdle. But let me just say, I want Him to say to me, “Well done”. The mere thought of hearing those words one day, is what gave me the extra kick in the pants to get me heading in the right direction. If I don’t do it, He will ask someone else. He equips the called and I can do nothing without Him.
I think it was Andy Stanley who said, “do it afraid”.
So, I am so excited that I said YES to Him and I’m looking forward to what He is going to do in and through me in 2009!
Thanks for the great post. It gets me more pumped up, you little cheerleader, you!
Love you!
Jess
“I can only imagine how many God-adventures I’ve missed out on, while I was thinking things through and weighing my options.”
I am right there with you on that one, Sandy! I want to be a “yes girl”, too.
Have a lovely week!
Hugs,
Kate 🙂
Sandy,
As I read this post I thought of Mother Teresa’s life and ministry and how deep her internal suffering was during her life…yet how unwavering her obedience to Christ! When she was asked to describe the origin of her call to begin the Missionaries of Charity, she said, “It was very simple — the good God called and I said ‘Yes’.”
Wow…
I, too, want to obey that quickly and completely!
Thanks for another excellent post!
This is great! You will be God’s YES girl. As you spend more time in His Word and prayer and grow in intimacy with Him, I know He will use you mightily. Just having an obedient heart is the start. I’m so proud of you, even though I’ve not met you yet face to face. But I love reading about how you desire to grow. May the Lord bless you Sandy!
Sandy, I am glad you said YES to the cat ! I loved this post. One of my favorites. I really needed this one.
Thanks so much.
I miss you,
Lori
Thank you for being so positive and challenging us to say “yes” by putting Heavenly Father first. If we do, we will have peace and understanding.Thanks again for this well written segment.
Rhonda (Dr. Finez’s Friend) 🙂
Cute photo by the way, Jim Carey has nottin’ on you!
Hi Sandy..thanks for stopping by my blog. I think I’m gonna really enjoy yours! I am looking forward to fridays too..I gotta get those last few pounds off..haha..I walked on the treadmill for 8 minutes this morning..not really what I wanted..i mean, 9 minutes would have shown lots more results..hahah! I left it out so I can be more apt to get back on later. I’ll be back to your blog..and I hope to have mine updated soon!
Did I write this??? No, but I did and didn’t publish it yet because well, it’s February and news of the new year is old. But, I’ve totally been telling everyone that this is the year of yes for me!!!
I wrote a post kind of about it a couple of weeks ago called The Night You Spoke.
Again, that separated at birth thing. weird.