“Say Yes”. It’s the theme our MOPS group is exploring this year, and I’ve been reflecting on it and what it looks like in my own life. But, I have to tell you that this idea of saying yes hit me hard several weekends ago. We were at our first Friday night football game of the season. My husband and I were sitting in the stands directly behind the marching band. We were enjoying the game and listening to the band play when I caught a glimpse of my oldest through the crowd. He was leading the band in a fight song, and I felt a sob catch in my throat. How did we get to this point in his life already? It seems like only yesterday that he was climbing into my lap for a bedtime story and now he is driving and leading the band. In that moment, I became so aware that time is moving ever so quickly, and my little boy is becoming a man before my very eyes. How do you prepare your mama heart for that? 

As I sat there and felt the heaviness of that moment, and a longing for what has been, I asked myself if I’ve done enough. Have I been intentional enough? Have I spent time doing things with him that actually matter? Have I said “Yes” to the things that are actually important?

You see, saying yes has nothing to do with striving or people pleasing, but has everything to do with living the life to which God has called you. He has purpose for each of your days. And it’s found not only in the big, extraordinary moments, but also in the small and in the ordinary. There is holy purpose in changing diapers, washing dishes, driving your kids to school. Every day presents us with an opportunity to encourage and pour into someone else, to extend grace, to show courage, to love well, and embrace joy. Is your heart open to what He has for you right now, in this present moment? 

Time is moving ever more quickly. Let’s not long for what has been or worry about what may be. To do so would mean that we are missing a very beautiful present. Let’s take the brave steps, savor the small, understand what is truly important, and choose to live now. Let’s choose to “Say Yes” to God and all that He is offering us in this beautiful life. 

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin …”

Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

Works Cited:

MOPS International. https://leader.mops.org/say-yes/. Accessed Aug. 2023.