I’ve learned that I can’t please everyone and there just
aren’t enough hours in a day to meet all
these requests. I’ve had 3 children
since those early days in the pastorate. I’ve had a child with a disability
which required a lot of focused attention.
Our current church is much larger that our first ministry which means I
can’t say yes to everything.
Ok, I have to say no, sometimes but how? I used to feel like I had to explain why I wasn’t
able to serve or attend an event. I
often went into long explanations hoping the person asking would
understand. Over time, I believe
experience, maturity and feeling more confident personally has changed how I
handle requests.
The buzz words are “just say no.” I try to decline graciously but don’t feel
the need to explain every detail of my decision. It’s ok to decline without huge explanation. Often, the explanation seems defensive or
like I’m trying to convince myself as well as
others that it’s ok to say no. It has taken me a long time to “get to this
place.” It certainly has been a freeing
experience.
Always decline in a gracious manner but often no explanation
is necessary.
