The Big Idea at church today was to say no to something good in order to say yes to something great. The current sermon series for the Christmas season is “Rediscover the Wonder”.
So it got me thinking. To what good thing can I say no in order to say yes to a truly great thing?
I am considering that this concept could be applied to many areas of my life. One, is food. As I sit at my computer, I finished off the last (large) piece of pumpkin pie. I thought it would taste perfect with my steaming cup of green tea. And it did. But…would it have been GREAT for me to instead eat a square of dark chocolate? Of course, yes.
Another area for me is clothing. I guess it is okay to purchase a new piece of clothing every two weeks. Do I really need more? Of course, no. Would it be GREAT if I simply wore the closet full of clothing that I already have and use the money and time and energy on something else that is GREAT? Of course, yes.
Lastly, and hugely, is the way we spend our time. I am not a big TV watcher, but if it is on, I will completely become engaged in an old movie or a 60 Minutes segment or the life story of Arnold Palmer. That is not necessary bad, it is actually fine. But…what if I spent that time writing a nice note to someone that is lonely. Or bake cookies for my neighbor. Or do some serious reading. Those things are GREAT.
During this blessed season, I want to attempt to trade mediocre for better and so-so for wonderful and good for great. Those things may be very small and not seem to matter in the present. However, I have a feeling that these things matter in the long-term, to myself and to others.
What good thing can you say no to in order to say yes to something great?
What new wonder will you rediscover this season?