Simply, "No"

Few English words are shorter than “no”. Sure, there’s “I” and “a” and … well, I think that about covers the “words shorter than ‘no’" list.

But there are also few words that carry the weight of “no”.

No has such a finality to it. It’s as if whatever topic or subject is behind it has met its untimely (or timely, depending on your perspective I guess) end.

No also has such limitation to it. “No parking” limits your ability to store your car. “No pets” limits your companionship in that area to humans (which is something I think we all dread from time to time). “No entry” lets you know that you aren’t wanted…not in that door anyway.

But there’s something about no that we don’t often consider. No has huge potential behind it! Think about it. When “no” is the answer on one end, then “yes” is on the other end, somewhere. My pastor has a great line: “Say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.”

It’s all about where you place your priorities. What are you saying “no” to in your life so that you can say a bigger “yes”? I’ll leave the areas of yes/no up to you. But it could translate in any realm of life – emotionally, relationally, financially, occupationally, spiritually, or to any other “-ally” you may have.

Are your “yeses” causing you to say a bunch of “no’s” that you really want to say “yes” to? Maybe you should start saying “no” to the things you’re saying “yes” to so that you can say “yes” to the things you are saying “no” to…

Just something to consider!