Saying No so We Can Say Yes

There is a funny story about a children’s camp. One of the counselors was leading a discussion on the purpose God has for all of creation. He began to share good reasons for the clouds and trees and rocks and rivers and animals and just about everything else in nature. Finally, one of the children asked, “If God has a good purpose for everything, then why did he create poison ivy?”

The counselor struggled with the question. Then, one of the other children chimed in, “The reason God made poison ivy is that he wanted us to know that there are certain things we should keep our little hands off of!”

The story is funny. And, it’s true that from the very beginning, God set limits. God told Adam and Eve you may eat of all the trees of the garden except one.

Sometimes in life, we want more than we need. Sometimes we want things that are not in our best interest – or in the best interest of those around us. If you think about it, limits also help us say no to some things, so that we can focus on the right things, the things that give life.  Are there limits that you need to take to heart today?

Loving God, We don’t want to live grasping anxious lives. Help us learn to be content. Give us eyes to see the many blessings in our lives, how our cup overflows. Help us learn to appreciate all that we have and all that we are right here in this moment. Give us the strength and the courage to set limits so that we might be free to take hold of the life that is truly life. Amen.