Commitments--saying yes and saying no

We just got back from vacation.  I enjoy the long drive because it's usually a chance to catch up on some reading (and book reviewing).  I only read one book on the way home this time, because I was working on the class I'm teaching this year.

The book I read was Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson.  I wanted to read this book because of the author, not the subject.  Susie Larson wrote one of the parenting books I regularly recommend, Growing Grateful Kids.  Your Sacred Yes focuses in on the subject of overcommitment and priorities.  Ms. Larson wants to challenge women to think about their commitments and priorities in light of walking with God.  Our focus should be on Him, not on what we want to do.

This book didn't resonate with me--which I think has to do with its timing my life rather than the book itself.  I do think it's a good book.  There's a lot of great food for thought.  For example, on page 56, she says "we need to develop a disntinction between our hill-climbing days, our sprint days, and our recovery days."  Agreed.  She elaborates on this idea and what this looks like.  Right now my life is filled with putting one foot in front of another to meet the needs of my family.  You've probably noticed that I blog a lot less now.  That time in my life seems to diminishing.  I still get a few opportunities to read and review books that I really want to read--like this book, but they are fewer and farther between than they used to be.  I'm not struggling with my yes's and no's right now--so that is why it didn't resonate and draw me in.

Even so, I suppose it's good for all of us to be reminded of this message and stake stock of our lives.  Ms. Larson's ideas in this book are good ones to hear.  Our world is a crazy busy place and it is wise to consider whether we are filling our days with busyness because of things we want to do or because it is what we have peace that God wants us to do.  Are the things we're doing about Him or about us?

If you're looking for a book on this topic and some encouragement, this may be the book for you.  I'd consider it.  Ms. Larson has a very easy to read writing style and she shares personal stories from her heart.  She is vulnerable in what she shares, which I appreciate.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.