For years, I said yes to nearly every good opportunity that came across my path — another Bible study to lead, another event to help plan, another speaking invitation. They were all genuinely good things. My calendar, and my family, eventually paid the price for treating every good thing as a required thing.
The verse that finally reordered my decision-making was Jesus’ instruction to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) — first, not only, and not everything labeled “ministry” automatically qualifies as first. Plenty of good things can crowd out the first thing if I let them.
Now, before I say yes to something new, I ask one question: does this serve the actual priorities God has already given me — my marriage, my children, the specific women He has put in front of me — or does it just feel important because someone asked? Not every invitation deserves a yes, even the flattering ones. Learning to say a peaceful no has protected far more of my family’s life than any calendar app ever could.