Why not?

“Why not?” Two words that have impacted my life more times than I could count.

Whether sitting in an FRG (Family Readiness Group) meeting or sitting in my living room at home, learning to ride a bike or taking that first step off a ropes course zip line, those two words can change much. They contain so much excitement, anxiety, joy, anticipation, and even fear. Surely you have said them too.

These two words can bring wonderful things. My answer when my hubby suggested we homeschool? That’s right, those two words. I wasn’t so sure, was slightly intimidated, and had no clue what I was getting into, but today I would not trade it for anything, even on the more difficult days.

I also work with an organization called Planting Roots. Born out of a vision of community for military women, I joined with multiple other military women as we have sought to be obedient and courageous in what the Lord has called us to do. It’s been a bigger “why not?” than most. But again, I wouldn’t trade it either.

That book I wrote and published? The book sitting on my computer waiting for a publisher? Yes, those same two words brought me to that as well. Good things.

Two words can bring on fabulous adventures that I never imagined, blessings beyond what I could come up with on my own. Those same two words can do just the opposite as well. I have been there too.

I tell people all the time that God gave me my husband to hold my hand down. I’m being sarcastic, but it has some truth. Whether FRG newsletters, coaching basketball for the kids, or the five million other things I encounter in a day, I could “why not” my way into craziness . . . and I have before.

Coming face-to-face with a decision, I think, “I could do that.” Could and should are two different things. I have learned that lesson more than once. I despise saying no. And yet if I say yes to everything, the things that are most important are never done well or done right.

I believe these two words can actually serve me well, if I ask them to the right person. When I ask myself this question, all kinds of things seem like a good idea. When I ask my husband, he usually has some good thoughts on the use of my time and skills, especially with relation to our family. But of all the “people” to ask, the Lord is by far the most knowledgeable. He has all the answers, including the ones to questions I have yet to ask.

I know you may ask the same question, and sometimes you probably choose better than I, but I would challenge us all to take a good look at our time, our commitments, and the gifts we have to bring. How does that line up with what we know God has called us to do? Summer time, and PCS (Permanent Change of Station) for us, is a great time to step back and see what God would have us do. Before we jump in or step off into new and exciting things, my prayer is that we would first seek the Lord and realize that craziness is not what He has called us to.

Do you find yourself doing too much? How do the commitments you make effect your family?