Saying Yes

I recently heard a Hollywood actor say that they decided their motto for 2019 will be to say “Yes” to more things. Now I don’t always hold up Hollywood actors as role models but I thought this was a pretty cool idea. Say “Yes” to more opportunities. Say “Yes” to more adventures. Say “Yes” to more possibilities. Just say, “Yes”.

I have been thinking a lot about this during this Holy Week as we walk the road with Jesus who said the ultimate “Yes”, even when he asked God to “let this cup pass”. I wonder how often we say “No” to things that could be life-changing … life-changing in a good way? I know I for one have held back at times. I am not a risk-taker and no one would describe me as daring. But I am dutiful and so when some things come along I do say “Yes” to those … if I think I should! But I think I need to stretch my wings and do a bit more “Yes” saying.

Sometimes the opportunities to say “Yes” feel more like disruptions to our plans. Disruptions that are met with a grumble and a groan and not a “Yes”. I am reminded of the quote from C.S.Lewis, “The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one’s life.” Life brings interruptions that are really opportunities.

I wonder, this Holy Week, if Jesus felt ready to say “Yes”? I wonder if he felt his work was done and the time was right for “Yes”? I wonder if there were moments in the midst of that Thursday and Friday ordeal that he wavered in his “Yes”?

I know this line of thought is different than the Hollywood star who was really talking about things like skydiving and eating new foods but the opportunity to say “Yes” stretches from embracing a life that cherishes the environment, to following God’s call, to a new way of being. All this is saying “Yes” to that mystery and wonder we call God.

What’s coming your way? Can you say, “Yes”?