I was in Prescott and Phoenix, Arizona last week. I spent some fabulous time with lots of people on this journey in some widely diverse settings—from some dialog with a camp staff, to a speaking time in a more traditional congregation meeting in a home, to an all-day conversation with people sorting out this journey, to helping some brothers finish books they’ve been working on, to helping some brothers work through a deep conflict, to a podcast interview with Darin Hufford at the Free Believers Network, and finally to a round of golf on Wednesday at the Arizona Biltmore. What a week!
It was great to get home, even thought he workload here is piled high as well. Sara and I aren’t fully used to living in the space we’re in now. I talk about it a bit on the interview above. So many people want a piece of my life and time right now that I’m having to say no to more people than ever. That always doesn’t go down well and I hate that. But I’m also saying yes to more people than ever, though I know that isn’t helpful to the folks I say no to.
Honestly, I don’t like telling people, “I can’t,” but it is the reality of the demands on my time right now. And I will not fill up every moment of every day with these kinds of things. I reserve time to spend with Sara, to replenish my own spirit, and to play with my kids and those incredible grandkids. So I hope you understand when I say, “I can’t.” Hopefully people won’t take it personally. It isn’t.
I do all that Father puts in my heart to do. I may not always get that right, but I will be as honest about that as I know to be.
The only problem with sharing that is that the people asking don’t know before they ask. And some now won’t ask because they hear Wayne is too busy. I hope in all of this we are all looking to the Lord’s leading. If you feel nudged to ask, ask! If I fee
Wayne,
It’s encouraging to see you walking in such freedom with this. How wonderful to live by the Spirit, trusting our Father to meet all the needs around you. Sometimes through you, sometimes through other means — but knowing that God has it all covered means it isn’t your burden. What a great feeling!
Recently I had a similar experience at my job. In my small company, I fill three distinct roles and serve several departments. We had some personnel turnover, and in the resulting “emergencies,” I got bogged down with a lot of miscellaneous tasks that hindered me from doing some of my other responsibilities. But after praying and seeking God’s direction, it was really clear what I should be doing that will most help all my co-workers and take me where the Spirit is leading.
It was amazingly graceful to be able to clear the extraneous things from my desk. Nobody took offense, though to me it felt challenging. Because I hate to say no & I want to be helpful. But in the space I gained, I finished creating a plan that all the managers are ready to implement, and with all of them on board, it will make everyone’s job go smoother (more planning & coordination, fewer “emergencies”). So praise the Lord! Doing only what the Father assigns is the best way to be helpful and share his love. He has everything covered, and it’s so freeing to trust him.
joy to you, as you enjoy the season with your family,
Robin
Wayne,
It’s encouraging to see you walking in such freedom with this. How wonderful to live by the Spirit, trusting our Father to meet all the needs around you. Sometimes through you, sometimes through other means — but knowing that God has it all covered means it isn’t your burden. What a great feeling!
Recently I had a similar experience at my job. In my small company, I fill three distinct roles and serve several departments. We had some personnel turnover, and in the resulting “emergencies,” I got bogged down with a lot of miscellaneous tasks that hindered me from doing some of my other responsibilities. But after praying and seeking God’s direction, it was really clear what I should be doing that will most help all my co-workers and take me where the Spirit is leading.
It was amazingly graceful to be able to clear the extraneous things from my desk. Nobody took offense, though to me it felt challenging. Because I hate to say no & I want to be helpful. But in the space I gained, I finished creating a plan that all the managers are ready to implement, and with all of them on board, it will make everyone’s job go smoother (more planning & coordination, fewer “emergencies”). So praise the Lord! Doing only what the Father assigns is the best way to be helpful and share his love. He has everything covered, and it’s so freeing to trust him.
joy to you, as you enjoy the season with your family,
Robin
Wayne, I read the following statement on a blog (http://www.conversiondiary.com) of a Catholic woman that is in my reader that I value. She said that she heard this one day and it has changed her life.
“To say no is to protect what you’ve said yes to.”
I think you will know exactly what she is talking about!
Keep saying yes…..and no. It is, in her words, “the essential gesture of stewardship.”
Blessings,
Wayne, I read the following statement on a blog (http://www.conversiondiary.com) of a Catholic woman that is in my reader that I value. She said that she heard this one day and it has changed her life.
“To say no is to protect what you’ve said yes to.”
I think you will know exactly what she is talking about!
Keep saying yes…..and no. It is, in her words, “the essential gesture of stewardship.”
Blessings,
Your response to folks (saying yes or no to the demands and trusting the Lord to sort it out) is a good and healthy thing for all of us to learn. Thanks for sharing that, Bro.
Your response to folks (saying yes or no to the demands and trusting the Lord to sort it out) is a good and healthy thing for all of us to learn. Thanks for sharing that, Bro.
One of the things I have noticed is when the things around me “fail”, I have a clearer sense of my need to lean on the Lord. The result is a little more trust, a little more closeness with the One who can really help. I would encourage you to just continue to follow His lead- He knows you are only flesh and blood.
Hope you have a Wonderful ChrIstmas and a Very Fruitful New Year!
One of the things I have noticed is when the things around me “fail”, I have a clearer sense of my need to lean on the Lord. The result is a little more trust, a little more closeness with the One who can really help. I would encourage you to just continue to follow His lead- He knows you are only flesh and blood.
Hope you have a Wonderful ChrIstmas and a Very Fruitful New Year!
Wayne –
As someone you once said “Yes” to, I think it’s very good that you are able to back off sometimes…the great thing is, I had already learned most of what I’d learn from you through your books and website…all having you in person accomplished was to show that you’re just a guy, walking this walk like any one of us!
Great ending to your post, also – proving that you even know when to say “No” in the middle of doing something!
Jim
Wayne –
As someone you once said “Yes” to, I think it’s very good that you are able to back off sometimes…the great thing is, I had already learned most of what I’d learn from you through your books and website…all having you in person accomplished was to show that you’re just a guy, walking this walk like any one of us!
Great ending to your post, also – proving that you even know when to say “No” in the middle of doing something!
Jim