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.
