Saying "Yes" by saying "No"

In this episode, we’re talking about something all of us wrestle with: learning when to say no—not just to the bad stuff, but sometimes even to the good and urgent things that pull us away from what’s essential. I share a personal struggle in this area and the simple but life-changing exercise a fellow pastor challenged me to do: writing out my “vocations” or callings. Understanding your greater and lesser callings doesn’t mean loving some people more than others—it’s about recognizing the order God built into your responsibilities so you can love everyone more faithfully. We’ll walk through practical steps like mapping out your vocations, planning an “ideal” week, thinking before giving an answer, and learning that a blank calendar doesn’t automatically mean a new “yes.” We’ll also explore why margin matters, how every “yes” is also a “no,” and why clarifying expectations with your spouse, kids, boss, and church leadership is crucial. Whether you feel stuck in the rat race or simply want to steward your time more intentionally, this episode will help you slow down, evaluate, and make God-honoring decisions rooted in wisdom, purpose, and calling.