I truly look forward to a new letter every week. And I love writing some encouraging words to my fellow moms. I’m trying to keep this devotional series really light by just focusing on one inspiring word for the week. I pray these one word devotionals are an encouragement to you.
We are on the letter “Y”. And the thought provoking and inspiring word for this week is: “Yes.”
A little video to encourage you on the word “Yes“.
Here’s more from the FREE Online Dictionary:
Yes, adv.
It is so; as you say or ask. Used to express affirmation, agreement, positive confirmation, or consent.
n. pl. yes·es
1. An affirmative or consenting reply.
2. An affirmative vote or voter.
interj.
Used to express great satisfaction, approval, or happiness.
As a mom, don’t you just love saying yes? It feels so much better than saying no. I hate that little sad face I get from my boys when I have to tell one of them no. I’d much rather say yes.
Nugget’s face when he hears “Yes.”
I’ve been reading this great book called “Positive Discipline” and one thing I love about it is the emphasis on trying to find a way to not say “no” all the time. It takes some planning. You know when the “questions” are going to come. Can you turn those into opportunities to coach your little ones into a “yes”? Sometimes. 🙂
Examples:
“Mommy, can I have some ice cream?”
“Yes, after you finish your chicken and noodles.”
“Mommy, can we go to the park?”
“Yes, once we clean up your room.”
Of course, you have to be careful with the word “Yes.” Sometimes you just have to use “no.” And not just with your children.
Examples:
“No, I’m sorry, I can’t volunteer at the bake sale, Saturdays we spend time together as a family. I could make a donation if you like.”
“No, I can’t meet you at the mall, that’s nap time. Maybe we can meet some other time?”
Yes can be a magical word. It can free us to bless, to inspire and encourage. If we’re not careful it can also enslave us, burden us, and trap us. Ahhh… boundaries. Even for us as mamas those can be tricky.
At our church they have a saying, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” In other words, don’t sign up for something unless you are truly committed to it. Our church is wise in that they do not want to burn out their volunteers. The would rather have fewer ministries that are focused and effective then a bunch of ministries that are fueled by volunteers who can’t say no.
Be empowered by your “yes” and equipped by your “no”.
I’m also reminded by this scripture from Deuteronomy 6:5,7 that little eyes are watching me. I have to model healthy boundaries so that they will know how to have healthy boundaries themselves.
“5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might… 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
What am I saying “yes” to? YES inspires me to spend some time thinking about what I’ve said yes to, and what I’ve said no to. Oftentimes saying yes to one thing means a no to something else.
What’s your favorite thing to say “yes” to? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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For other devotionals in this series please go to:
