No. Nope, Nyet.

"No!" The universal word of toddlers. They use it so well.

It may come with a foot stomp, a head shake, or a full on fit. It doesn't even matter if said toddler might want whatever you are offering.

"Do you want a million dollars?"  "No!"

As a certified people pleaser, I grew into an adult who seldom said no anymore. I was convinced that I needed to say yes to any request, any ministry, any need. If it was good to do, it was good for me to do. It didn't matter if I had no time or even if I absolutely had no desire. I did it anyway. But it was often out of obligation rather than love.

What an exhausting and stressful way to live.

And so finally I began to say no again sans the foot stomp (usually). Oh, my. What a relief. I was set free.

Lately though, something new is happening. I've been trying out that other word again.

Yes.

Yes to new adventures. 

Yes to new ideas. 

Yes to God.

"Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time." James 4:8 (MSG)