Katheism

“No” has such unhappy associations. It’s the essence of any toddler’s rebellion. It’s the basis of any personal rejection. But there is so much good to be found it.

I’ve been hearing a lot lately on the subject of simplifying one’s life. Even though I wouldn’t consider my life to be very complicated at all, occasionally I need to be reminded to invoke the power of “no.” Possibly my favorite book (I must have read it through five times) is Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald. It talks about establishing “order” in the soul by overcoming excessive drivenness and creating margin in your life. And sometimes my soul gets out of order. I need to say “no” sometimes not only for the sake of my time, but for the sake of my integrity.

Jesus told a parable about a father who gave a command to his two sons. The one said “yes” but did not do what was asked. The other at first said “no” but later decided to comply. In the end, it was the second son that Jesus credited with being truly obedient. When we don’t know how to say “no,” our “yes” becomes worthless when we fail to follow through because we should have said “no” to start.

How can you embrace the power of “no” for a more simple and peaceful life? Here are some suggestions of things that (depending who you are) you might begin saying “no” to today.

• business opportunities
• nominations
• party invitations
• sponsorships
• advice
• stagnant or dysfunctional relationships
• undesired friendships
• store sales
• social networking requests
• other people’s problems
• public appearances and speaking engagements
• volunteer opportunities
• TV shows and other entertainment
• news and information
• family invitations
• gift obligations
• phone calls
• e-mails
• instant/text messages
• club meetings and invitations
• kids’ activities
• people’s expectations
• job offers
• food
• other people’s ideas
• procrastination
• requests for favors
• reading articles
• podcasts
• purchases
• business solicitations

Start saying “no” and make room for the things that should be a “yes” in your life!