HOUSE OF ROBERTS BLOG

As we head back into the new school year and the craziness of family activities I am reminding myself of this truth. No one else gets say over my family's time and pace besides Jesus and Us! It’s really important to remember this because somewhere along the line, if you’re not intentional it’s really easy to say “Where did it all go?” and blame it on other things and people! At the end of the day, WE are in charge of our yes’s and our no’s and it’s no one else’s fault when we dish out too many yes’s!

Mike and I are trying, INTENTIONALLY to get better at asking Jesus what He thinks about every yes we give out. We have become really convicted and obsessed about the fact that God cares about our time, and actually, the Bible says that God Himself has ordered every one of our days in advance in Psalms 139:16,

“You saw me before I was born.
   Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
   before a single day had passed."

I am SO CURIOUS about that verse! It keeps me saying daily, “Lord I want what YOU have written for me today.” I believe the Lord is aching for people to let Him take the wheel and set the course and speed of their lives. This way is slower, this way is more intentional, this way from the “man” standard doesn’t seem as lucrative or productive but if it’s HIS way…It’s better and it will cause us to prosper holistically!

I think to do this we have to change some of our defaults.

Before we say yes first let's pray. Ask God, “Should we say yes to this sport? Should we say yes to leading this group? Should we say yes to the event or the work promotion?” Give Him space, time, and an invitation to weigh in on the decisions.
Before you say yes to more see how your greatest priorities are doing. I.e. Your marriage and your kids. If these relationships are hurting then give your love, time, and effort there first.
Before we say yes give it time. Who said you have to make a decision right now? In most cases, you don’t have to make an immediate decision. If the answer isn’t clear in the moment walk away from it, pray, and give yourself time to hear and evaluate before you make the call. Bad decisions can be avoided by just giving yourself a little time. I never make decisions quickly when I am tired. No good comes of this. Get a good night's sleep, wake up fresh, and make the call.
Before we say yes look at where you have already said yes. Look at the whole picture of your time and month's schedule before you commit to more.
Before we say yes KNOW your kids will always want more. They will always have the energy and desire to take themselves and ultimately you beyond what you can or should do with your time. They don’t understand how to manage time or energy yet, that’s why you are the parent. Teach them how to say no, teach them how to manage time and energy, and teach them it’s okay to be bored!

Okay, Mom - you've got this! I am praying for you as you dive back into the school year that you will find peace, grace, and discernment at a higher level to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and your family's days just as heaven has written them out.