The Architecture of "Yes"
Yes. A three letter word that can change
your world.
I was reading the diary of a woman recently returned from a mission
trip to the Dominican Republic. Melanie was able to meet the child
that she sponsors through a group that provides monthly support
for poverty-stricken children around the world. Melanie relates
that the child asked one question of her, “Can I go home
with you?” A simple question with a “yes” or
“no” answer. It made me ponder how even saying “yes”
to that trip was a life-changing decision. Just imagine how many
lives would be forever altered if she had replied, “Yes,
you can come home with me.”
In our busy, fast-paced culture, people are often reminded that
they need to say “No” more often. There’s a
plethora of classes on time management and most of us learned
in the crucible of an over-extended schedule how to say “no”.
Indeed, there’s a fine art to learning how to set boundaries
that define the difference between being busy and being productive.
But it’s the “yeses”
that mold our days, shape our years and determine our destiny.
Would your priorities change if you knew
your days were numbered? I recently had the opportunity to listen
to passionately delivered words of wisdom from a thirty seven
year old mother who’s advanced cancer diagnosis had given
her an expectancy of only three to four more months on this earth.
In talking about finishing well, she noted that she is saying
“yes” much more often than she’s saying “no”
to her family. She’s become very focused and conserves her
energy for the truly important things in living every day.
The things we say “yes” to establish a foundation
and then become the architecture of our lives.
The “yes” to stick to the ethical and honest road
when all those around you are taking the low road and calling
it moral relativity.
The “yes” said in a covenant commitment to love, honor
and cherish one person for all the days of your life.
The “yes” to an opportunity to move to a different
city or take a new job that alters your life in unimagined ways.
The “yes” to give of your time, talents and money
when there’s no chance of being repaid.
The “yes” to help someone in need that leaves a permanent
imprint on your heart.
It makes me think hard about what I will say “yes”
to this week.
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