Yes, Yes, and Yes Again!
I remember the opening words of M. Scott Peck’s best-selling book, The Road Less Traveled. “Life is difficult.” And to that he added at the beginning of his sequel, Further Along the Road Less Traveled, “Life is complex.”
courtesy of unsplash
To his words I add: It’s complicated. It’s multi-layered. It’s unpredictable. So why say ‘yes’ to life? There are just so many challenges and difficulties and unplanned experiences and events that keep us reeling, we might feel it’s not worth the effort.
But I enjoyed pondering this question for myself as I thought about the people I know and those I’ve read about, who clearly have said ‘yes’ by their actions and by their attitude. Mother Teresa comes to mind and Eleanor Roosevelt and President Harry Truman and Dietrich Bonheoffer to name a few. Why did they choose a positive outlook despite health challenges, persecution, aging, family commitments, death of loved ones, disappointments and personal tragedies?
Because life becomes easier—despite the circumstances––more satisfying, and ultimately more joyful when we choose to embrace it for what it is and is not, instead of resisting it. I remember my mother modeling ‘yes’ in her own life. She always had a smile and a hello for everyone, whether in an elevator or at the park. She took after Grandpa in that way.
“We all have problems and pain in our lives,” she often said, “so if we can lift each other up a bit with a nod or a word of encouragement, or a yes, why not? And it makes me happy to do so.” Then she laughed. “It takes a few years of living to know when to say yes and when to say no. That will come to you too, as you grow older and can take care of yourself.”
She once told me that whenever she thought about her own mother’s life as an Irish immigrant and the hardships her mother had endured, Mom felt enormously blessed by comparison. “My life today is something my mother could never even have imagined. So I want to say yes to life every chance I get.”
It’s only in my mature years that I understand what she was telling me. One can live a full and happy and generous life and still be discerning about when to say yes and when to say no.
Thank you, Mom, for your example and your loving heart.
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful heart felt memories that your mother shared with you. You are so right about life being so much more peaceful and fulfilling when we embrace life as it is instead of feeling debilitated by our circumstances or limitations. Your mother sounds like she was quite a remarkable person. I choose to say yes to life too. Love you.
Sandy
Thank you, Sandy. You are an example of saying ‘yes,’ and I admire you for it. 😊
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you dear Karen. That was very encouraging ……. and our dear Mothers sure did their very best to say yes in very different and often very difficult circumstances. We are indeed blessed. 🙏🏻🥰❤️
Thank you, Kathleen.
Karen,
Great blog. I agree with others, encouraging. All your blogs are. I would only say that “As long as I have Jesus, I will always have Hope.” I know you shouldn’t capitalize hope amid sentence like that, but it felt apropos to to do so. It’s how I feel about the word. I may even begin capitalizing it in every incidence forthwith. Which reminds me of my own mom. If I can share my mom with you. Mom had a quote that she loved to tout, but changed it to fit how she felt about Jesus, and it is this, “God said it, I believe it, that’s it.” Here is mom’s version, “God said it, ‘I don’t have to believe it,’ that’s it.'” Both my parents are gone now, and with Jesus. I feel selfish about that because I loved them both very much and wish I still had them here with me. Mom taught me about Jesus, and dad taught me how to be a man. I miss them. God threw away the mold when He made them. (And I’m probably not unique in saying that 🙂 ) Mom, Jan 2004 and dad Sept 2007, which by itself is a miracle and evidence of my dad’s love for my mom. He promised her that he’d continue to take care of us kids, which he did with love and his dad advice. On average, when you live with someone for over 60 years, the spouse usually goes within a year or so. I thought about not sharing this story with you because of Charles, so I hope this story blesses you instead. Excuse me while I go cry for a minute or two. God bless you Karen, and again Thanks for sharing your mom with me (us).
Jim, what a beautiful share. I love hearing about your parents.
I wish I could be that way. I struggle along, with this sadness buried inside. Up and down I go as i live with the choices I’ve made in life. Consequences. I’ve tried to have faith and overcome and pray. I haven’t suffered as much as those you’ve mentioned, but I cant get past the sadness.
Praying for you, Krisy, that God will speak into your heart and comfort you in your sadness.
Thank you for regifting your mother’s wisdom to us Karen.
I needed each and every word of it.
Smile, BRC
What a lovely comment, Beth. Thank you.
I love this, Karen. Thanks so much. My Mother was a great “roll model” and I am thankful and my Dad was just as wonderful in saying “yes” to life,
I am late responding~sorry~nothing wrong , just busy and a little “lazy” too! Love you much, Margaret
No worries about when you respond. It’s up to you. I’m jut grateful you keep on reading. I appreciate your support.
I like this, Karen. I’m an idealist and so, am learning that life is full of ups and downs, and is a combination of certainty and uncertainty. Understanding that frees me more to say ‘yes’ – and ‘no’.
Thank you!