Let me know how fleeting my life is.
—Psalm 39:4
Question number four:
Is it okay to say “No”?
It’s hard to say no to invitations, requests, or demands. We don’t want to disappoint a friend, a casual acquaintance, or even a stranger.
We have a baffling relationship with time. We are cautious with our money, but not with our time, our most valuable asset.
When someone requests your time, they are asking you to give up a slice of your life—for something that may intrude on your most important work.
When you receive a request for some of your time, ask yourself, “What if I say no?” If the answer is, “I would be more faithful to my calling,” or “I would be a better steward of my limited time,” or “I would be more productive,”—say no.
“Teach us to number our days” (Ps 90:12).
Don’t wish for more time, but for wisdom
to use the time you have wisely.