In the last week I’ve really started saying no! No to business offers, no to family requests and no to church requests. It was so difficult but I’ve learned the power in saying “No”. Before you think I’m crazy let’s go to the Word.
Many of us know the Proverbs 31 woman. You know, that lady who puts Martha Stewart and everyone on Pinterest to shame! For many of us she is a reminder of our “perceived” failures as women. She can do everything! She goes to bed late and gets up early, she cooks, cleans, runs a business and to top it off her husband always adores her and her children rise up and call her blessed! Oh how I hope one day to do half of what she does! LOL! I believe this chapter is more about what we can learn from her than comparing ourselves with her. As I was studying this chapter this specific verse really touched my heart and convicted me.
“She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.” ~ Proverbs 31:16 Amplified
Before the virtuous woman buys a new field or (for many of us) takes on a new venture or responsibility she considers it. She’s not only looking at the cost of it but she’s looking at how this new venture or responsibility will affect the rest of her life. Will it take away from her husband, children, job, household, spiritual life or even her own health? How many times do we “consider a field” before we buy it? When yet another committee at church needs to be headed up are you quick to say yes? Do we pray and consider or as another scripture tells us, count the cost (Luke 14:28)? Later on are we overwhelmed with trying to fit everything in and we end up not always doing the best job or even worse, not doing it with the best attitude?
For this reason and more I’ve learned and am implementing saying no. Just this week alone I’ve said no to three requests and yes it was TOUGH but I feel better and less stressed because of it. I actually called a friend and asked her to remind me that it was ok to say no. I know it sounds funny but I had to because I have certain commitments and I must keep those first and I just couldn’t put anything else on my plate even though I do it ALL THE TIM!. The Proverbs 31 women knew the power of no. If that field, responsibility or venture would cause her to neglect her present duties I do believe she would say no. I’m not telling you to never say yes to anything but pray and prioritize what is necessary. My pastor’s wife always tells us this and it sticks with me “Just because it’s a good thing doesn’t make it a God thing.”. God may want someone else to head up the next committee or bake the next batch of cookies for the school play. It may be a good thing but it just may not be what God wants you to do at the moment. The power of NO is an amazing thing. I’m just learning to be comfortable with it. :-)
This week’s recipe is a delicious recipe that is great for spring and instead of writing it out I want to direct you to my youtube page where you can check it out. Quinoa and Black Bean salad is easy, full of muscle building protein, fill you up fiber, vitamin overload and it’s delicious! It’s easy to make and stays for a few days. It's one of those recipes that tastes even better on day 2. You can take it for lunch or for a potluck! If you don’t know how to make quinoa be sure to check out my video on how to make basic quinoa.
Blessings!!!
Chef Robin
No comments :
Post a Comment