Sister Doreen’s Reflections
Sometime ago, Sister Wilma gave me an article from the Toronto Star that prompted reflections both on the contents of the article and also the subtitle of the article: “Rolling with a new approach to life.” It all started with sushi! Not wanting to offend a good friend, Ken Hall reluctantly tried sushi for the first time and it was delicious! And he realized, “Oh, I’ve been doing life all wrong.” He saw the benefits of saying ”yes” of embracing diverse roles and new projects and taking chances.
So, I thought, how wonderful that a sushi-inspired epiphany of saying “yes” might lead to unknown opportunities, a potential for transforming my life. In the article, Ken Hall also made the comment: “Accept what you have, rather than debate it or fight against it. Own it!”
It is about choosing a can-do philosophy and willingness to say “yes”, that, I believe and I know from experience, can unfold tremendous gifts that have not yet been discovered! So often I think most of us find a propensity for always saying “no” as a way to keep ourselves safe and predictable. We can become trapped in a vey negative mindset which covers up being afraid. It can become a life-style that erodes rather than transforms. By making the choice – choosing a can-do philosophy and willingness to say “yes” – we have the opportunity to actually find ourselves anew!
I am reminded that is was Dag Hammarskjold who said: “For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come. Yes!”
This article challenged me to ask the question: When was the last time you said ‘yes’ with conviction, excitement, passion, or even risk in the midst of an unknown? I know that In my life, there have been times when I have dared the “yes” and there have been times when I have tried my best not get myself into any situation that required me to be uncomfortable in any way. Saying ‘no thank you’ to new experiences is the easiest way out of learning anything from life that you do not already know. It is safe and sure. However, in the midst of these times I am reminded that Jesus said “I came so that you can have life in all its fulness”. Choosing to embrace ‘yes’ in these situations is hard work, but also I know that deep down my choice really resonates with Dag Hammarskjold, for all that has been thank you and for all that is to come, yes. I want that fullness of life that we have been promised.
Actually I have discovered that it may sometimes be safe to say no, but it’s hardly ever fun. We all know that we could stay in our comfort zone and keep getting the things we have always gotten, or we could venture into the lane where the unknown, mysterious, exciting, and liberating occur. That is the place where we say ‘yes’ to new experiences, new people, and new adventures. And it is so true, that we will always be surprised at how much we learn about ourselves just by agreeing to learn about someone or something else.
A challenge might be hard to say ‘yes’ to, but I say to myself, ‘ you should remember that challenges make you. Your biggest challenge is usually just having the courage to say ‘yes’. Thereafter, when you’re already in it, it all becomes easier’. You and I have experienced this over and over again I am sure!
Yes, Lord, Yes help me continue to choose to roll with a new approach to life! And so we can sing:
Chorus 1
I’ll say yes Lord yes to Your will and to Your way
I’ll say yes Lord yes I will trust You and obey
When the Spirit speaks to me with my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be Yes Lord yes
Verse 1
Lord I give You all the glory for all You’ve given me
You have filled my life until I overflow
All I have is Yours to use in any way You choose
You are Lord of all so how can I say no (repeat chorus)
Verse 2
If I never knew the fullness of living in Your will
I would never know how rich my life could be
Lord my willingness to serve is the least that You deserve
For the blessings You have showered over me (repeat chorus)
(Song written by Lynn Keesecker)
