Amazingly simple but yet so hard…
Advice we could all use!
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By Grant Phillips
I do believe that the hardest word in the English language to say is, “No.” I am not speaking of correctly pronouncing the word. It’s very simple to pronounce. Just place your tongue at the roof of your mouth, grab an “N” and come down with an “O.” When you’re finished, you lips will have formed the word “No.”
My reference to the usage of the word “No” is the inability of many to use this word as a response to others or even self.
Are you one of those who have little time for yourself because you’re running everyone else’s errands? If you’re helping those who cannot help themselves, then you are to be commended, but what about those who choose to sit on their ever widening posterior and use you to do what they could do for themselves? I know some who allow family members, for example, to simply use them, because they just can’t say the word “No.”
I have even seen church members who are worked to death, because they just can’t say “No.”
Elaine works long hours every day at a grinding job. Yet when she comes home it doesn’t stop there. There is a house to clean, dinner to prepare, and a sack of potatoes snoring in the recliner commonly called a “husband.” In addition, there are three little rug rats who demand constant attention.
Joe also works long hours every day for a boss that is a jerk. When he arrives home at his castle, there are outside chores that must be done, and a soap opera buff lying on the couch among potato chips and cookies and no dinner prepared. His offspring are each clamoring for a ride to soccer and cheerleading practice.
Pastor Bob and his lovely wife Beth spend many hours taking care of menial church chores at the little church out in the country. While he works on the roof, Beth is cleaning inside. In addition to their secular jobs, they teach Sunday School, visit the sick and just do whatever is needed. Their congregation wonders why they seem so tired on Sunday mornings.
Lazy people often sit on their gluteus maximus and have others, whether it be family members or friends, run their errands and wait on them hand and foot. Again, I’m not referring to those who cannot help themselves, perhaps for health reasons for example. I am referring to those folk who are healthy and have the means to take care of their own responsibilities, but are just too cotton-pickin’ lazy to do so.
If you are one of the suckers who just can’t say “No,” then who is to blame for your quandary? You are.
I realize that the Lord expects us to put others first, but does He expect us to be doormats for lazy people? I don’t think so. The following verses come to mind:
“10Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”11Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.12We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.13As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.14Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.15Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 NLT)
I have listened to many people complain about how busy they are and how little time they have for themselves. More often than not, the reason lies in that person allowing others to dictate their time.
What the Internet really looks like: Each yellow line is one of the major fiber-optic cables that carry Internet traffic around the world. These are the ‘plumbing’ of the internet, and many are routed undersea.
myBlessedHope 