Today we had the whole family in the car, the boys were strapped in (so they couldn't move...which, let's just face it is sometimes a VERY GOOD thing) and the DVD player was entertaining the children with some good, moral, albeit not entirely accurate Bible stories known as Veggie Tales.
So, I thought I would take the opportunity to have a conversation with my hubby. Unlike Dawn's last attempt at this, my children were actually quiet and engrossed in the video so they weren't interrupting ;-)
I've shared before on this blog that I often have trouble saying "no". I've been trying to work on this lately and have had some success. Unfortunately, even when I do say no, I end up spending so much time and energy feeling guilty and questioning myself that I could have just done the thing instead. I know. I have a problem. I also have a problem with blog addiction and keeping up with my children's baby albums, but you guys already know that!
ANYWAY, I thought I would share with you a little of our conversation (sorry, I seem to be all about dialogue right now)
Alana: I just wish I could say "no" without feeling guilty.
Rich: (singing loudly) "Veggie Taaales, Veggie Taales..."
Alana: "I don't know why I have such an issue with pleasing people."
Rich: (singing loudly...with feeling) "Broccoli, celery, gotta be...VEGGIE TALES!"
Alana: "It's just that sometimes I'm not sure if the guilt is because God is convicting me or if it is Satan is trying to make me doubt the right decision."
Rich: (singing loudly with a dramatic finish) "It's time for Veggie Taa-a-aa-a-aa-a-aa-a-ales!"
At this point, I realize that he has been singing the Veggie Tales theme song the whole time and has not heard a word I've been saying.
Thanks, Rich. I'm glad we had that talk.
Friday, August 3, 2007
"I'm Listening..."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
11 comments:
Rich: "…a-aa-a-aa-aa-ales!" [pause]
Alana: "I am trying to have a conversation with you here!"
Rich: "fwumpth!" [smile, fade to black]
Hey, I think I've had that same conversation with Jason before! Only instead of him singing, he just stares out the window until I say, HELLLLOOOOOOO!!!
my imaginary husband listens REALLY well and responds with caring words and thoughtful insight! thanks for the reality check! : )
OK...that is a conversation for girlfriends. I will listen!
I am curious to what you have said "yes" to. MOPS?
Janelle -
No, it didn't have anything to do with MOPS. And I said "no" not "yes". That is the problem. Feeling guilt even when I do say "no".
We'l talk later, friend!
Hi, I randomly found you over on baby Bangs blog and i have to say I have had simular conversations like this with my hubby before! Gotta love um!
Blessins,
Suzi
Carissa -
Just for the record, there are times that Rich does respond with caring words and thoughtful insight...just not THIS time!
I can't blame him too much, it IS a catchy tune ;-)
I would love to have a discussion about feeling guilty over saying no. Just yesterday I was pulled in three different directions by three totally different people and I had an ungrateful heart about all three. If I had said NO then things would have been fine. But I said yes, was grumbly about it and so then probably missed all the blessings God wanted to give me because of it. Does that makes sense?
I think this is a great topic that needs addressing ASAP.
seems everyone is leaving such wonderfully inspiring comments.
i, on the other hand, cannot. stop. laughing.
Reading your blog now has me singing that song in my head. It's just a catchy tune. Saying No - that's not an easy word to use unless it's with our children. Then I can fling that word out of my mouth right and left. Why is that? I think it's an inherient need to be accepted and not rejected. Feels like when we say no we might miss out on the fun, or not be asked in the future. We could really go deep with this topic. :-) I am proud of you for saying "no" my friend. Now you're freed up to say "yes" to something that is yet to come down the pipeline.
I have no idea how I found your blog! But, interestingly enough I posted on this very topic about learning to say no in my post yesterday. A wise lady gave me a really great statement to try and use. I tried it today and it worked like a charm. NO GUILT. Take it from one older Sista's wisdom!
Post a Comment