Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There’s wisdom in saying no…
I remember watching The Jetsons back in the ’60s and dreaming of the day technology would take over. Our lives would be easy! Following George Jetson’s example, we’d only work three days a week, three hours a day.
And home life would be equally tranquil. At the push of a button, four-course meals would appear at our fingertips; communication would be instant and visual (with no busy signals, of course); and thanks to robots like Rosie, housework would be a thing of the past.
The Jetsons even gave us the picture of quality futuristic family fun—watching the big-screen TV. (Well, one thing has come true—the family is sitting around the big screen TV, although I doubt that meets the quality-time-family-fun criteria).
But even with the advent of microwaves, cell phones, and labor saving devices, the rest of the dream is a lie.
The truth is, we have become servants to technology, making our lives more demanding and stressful than ever. Snail mail and traditional phones have been relegated to the dark ages as voice mail, email, text messaging, and social networking control not only the hours, but the seconds of our lives. In the old days we were thrilled to have answers to our questions within weeks; now we’re frustrated if it takes more than a few moments.
I admit it…I’m guilty. So why do I—a reasonably intelligent woman—fall for the trap?
Because I’ve inadvertently adopted the philosophy that says I must produce every minute of every day; that my worth is tied to my busyness; that my value is defined by my production.
This lie sets us up for failure…and that’s what I feel like much of the time.
It seems the more I try to learn about technology, the more there is to learn! We “must” do this. We “have to” do that. If we want to grow our ministries, our numbers, our followers, our you-fill-in-the-blank, we have to learn the latest and greatest technology.
And I’m tired.
Yes, I know that if we expect to be published authors and professional speakers, we must be the ones contributing the most time and effort to the marketing of our product—our message.
But I’m also learning that I can’t do it all.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Please know this isn’t a call to argue the value of any of these technologies. After all, none of these products are evil.
Instead, it’s a call to myself to find a healthy balance between work (which, let’s go ahead and admit, ministry requires work), rest, and play, especially since my husband is planning to fully retire in November.
It’s a call to “No.”
And so—AGAIN—I’m setting boundaries for the sake of my health, my relationships, and my ministry.
1. Work
*I will work most weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
*I will begin each day with a plan and will address interruptions at specific times during the day.
*I will restrict adding more work than I can reasonably handle.
2. Rest
*The computer will be off by 10pm.
*I will observe the Sabbath day of rest.
*I will plan for 8 hours of sleep a night.
3. Play
*I will take a periodic play day with my mother and sister, who also love games.
*Gary and I will find things we both enjoy doing and schedule play days as well.
*I will not feel guilty for playing!
4. And of course, I will continue my time with the Lord—after all, that’s one thing that’s non-negotiable!
So there, you have it…my sanity schedule. I’m finally accepting the fact that I’m not as young as I used to be, and let’s face it, regardless of how healthy I am at this moment, my time—and yours—is running out.
I will work. I will rest. I will play. And I will say “No.”
I think the Lord and my family will be much happier. I know my doctor will. 
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is,
and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16
For more on the subject of saying “no,” check out this Crosswalk.com article, Learn to Say “No,” by Doug Fields.
(“NO” photos courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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And who won Brenna Stull’s book?
Arcelia, you’re the winner! All you need to do it contact me with your snail mail address and your book will be right out to you. Congratulations!
And for those who didn’t win, don’t worry, you can order your own copy of Coach Mom: 7 Strategies for Organizing Your Family into an All-Star Team right here!
Thanks again, Brenna! You have an awesome team!
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And thank you, dear readers for joining me today. It’s always a joy to have you!
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
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