Learning to Say No
I have spent so many years saying “yes” to everything. And don’t get me wrong, many times yes was the right answer. As I look back now, I just didn’t realize the wisdom there was in learning to say no. Out of my tendency to be a people pleaser, I was eager to answer yes to everything.
Since Luke was born, God has really been teaching me to slow down. And in the midst of this season, my eyes have been opened to where my priorities should lie: and that’s with my beautiful family.
I was blessed to have my mom and grandma help me the first six weeks after my c-section. They graciously tended to my home, cooked meals, and cared for my children. They really encouraged me to rest and focus on Luke.
With this time of rest came a time of reflection. As I pondered about my life, I realized I didn’t have our home in order. I noticed how much I had neglected caring for my household, and quickly realized the affect that must have had on my husband and children. And it wasn’t because I didn’t care about them, or love them dearly. It was because I was busy. Busy blogging, busy at church, busy with friends. The thing is though, I didn’t have to be THAT busy. So I decided I needed to change the way I made decisions.
Here’s a few things I do differently now:
- I pray before my decisions. “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26
- I ask myself these three questions: Will it benefit my family? Will it bring glory to God? Does it line up with what God has called me to do with my life?
- I don’t do anything without making sure my family is cared for first. I’m sure many of you wives/mommas already do this, but when I know I’m going out, I make sure dinner is ready for my family. I leave the home tidy and organized. I want my husband and children to know that even when I’m away, I’ve prioritized them, and our home first.
It’s been a month of this new way of making decisions, and my life is so different because of it. Our home runs smoother, and I don’t feel as overwhelmed. I have found much more joy in the day to day, and the family is even happier.
I’d love to encourage you to take time to pray before your decisions. Sometimes even noble things aren’t meant for you to do at that current time. (Isn’t that crazy to think about?) I believe that is why it’s so important to seek God before our lips speak “yes.”
So as you work on making your house a home, may God guide your every decision, and may your beautiful family reap the benefits of a woman who seeks God in all things!
From my home to yours, Tay
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
Irish
Thank you so much for this! I have just recently started following you and I can honestly say I love reading your encouraging posts. I almost always relate to your posts. I absolutely love your heart for Jesus and your family. We are so like-minded and it’s so refreshing to know there are other people out there making an impact for Christ. I always find myself realizing that I make myself way busier than God ever intended for me to be, which in turn makes me unavailable for what and who’s important. What a great reminder we have in scripture. If we keep our focus on Jesus and always go to him first we can stay centered. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Taylor Krabill
Aw thank you so much for your kind words!! That means so much to me! I feel the same way. It’s always so nice when we find like-minded women who can help keep us joyfully running this race. <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! xoxo
Louise
A wise woman builds her house….this is you! Love this post ?. Thank you!
Taylor
Thanks mom!! I love you! Thank you for being my hero in the faith, and my best friend!! ???