Living Intentionally - Disappoint Someone (Part Deux)

Living Intentionally - Disappoint Someone (Part Deux)

To refuse a request for just cause is as praiseworthy as to grant a request that is worthy. It is for this reason that the “no” of some people pleases more than the “yes” of others. A refusal accompanied by sweet words and a civil manner gives more satisfaction to a true heart than a favor given with bad grace. —Marquise Magdeleine de Sablé

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, a girlfriend told me that in addition to her COO position for a major corporation, she served as a board member for the city symphony; was the local chairwoman of fund-raising for not one, but two, of the largest nonprofits in the country; and was required to attend social, civic, or political functions nearly every night of the week. She wrote: “I’m exhausted. I’m miserable. I’m worn out.”

Her glamorous, selfless life of service had resulted in burnout—not just toward the organizations she served, but toward life itself. My girlfriend realized she was not living intentionally because she didn’t want to disappoint.

I am a huge proponent of service—to community, school, or church—and feel that as a collective society we could do a lot more than we do. But I don’t think service should be left to just a few. And this is where high-achieving women often struggle to maintain balance. Because they can do it (and others haven’t or won’t), they feel obligated to jump in and get the job done. But service from obligation rarely fulfills and usually drains.

If your gift is serving others, serve them well. (Romans 12:7)

Are you extending a favor or service with bad grace because you feel obligated to do so? Endeavor to serve those projects that are true to your heart’s calling and say no to the rest. Yes, you will disappoint someone, but the service you do render will be a blessing—both for you and that special person on the receiving end. Now that’s living intentionally.