Saying "no" to say a greater "yes"

I really like to be involved in stuff.  I have always thrived off being around lots of people, and I believe as one book I read stated it; it charges my batteries.  After a good girls night out, I feel refreshed, jazzed, ready to take on the world.  I also enjoy putting together events and field trips and classes, and seem to have a decent ability to make them run ok!
This presents me with a frequent conflict when it comes to maintaining some margin in my life.  So many things that come up sound like so much fun to do, and even more fun to set up!  If I am not very careful, I can easily get myself over committed and then there I am, right back in the rat race, getting things done, and not enjoying any of it.
The bible has something to say about this too when it comes to committing:
"We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing."  Psalm 39:7

I so don't want to be known for busy rushing that ends in nothing! 

So I have been saying a word more these days then I used to: NO.  

This used to be so much harder for me, but I am finding that practice is making it much easier! :)  So how do I decide what stays and what goes?  Well this, of course, looks different for everyone.  For me, I have 2 great guidelines that make all the difference.  

1. I ask my husband for his input.  Notice I didn't say PERMISSION, because that tends to bring out my rebellious side!  I confess I have gone ahead and done stuff my husband was not in favor of, just because I didn't want him to spoil my good time!  Not only was that attitude incredibly selfish, it was also very shortsighted.  God led us together for a reason, and we are a great team, if I remember I am a team player and don't start trying to do it solo!  God gave me a picture for this once, of our marriage being like a car.  I tend to operate like the gas pedal, ready to jump in with both feet and get moving!  My husband is the brakes, helping me slow down and process the best course of action, and if this is a good fit for our family. We need both of us to drive that car or we have problems! So now I ask.   He always brings up things that I hadn't really considered in the grand scheme of things, and I will tell you that the couple of times I have ignored his advice and committed anyway, I have really regretted not listening to him.  
2. I try to go back to our focus.  Whether it's a family focus or a personal one, I try to go back to our mission, and evaluate if this really fits in with where we feel God calling us to be.  For instance, I have a goal to raise compassionate kids with a heart to serve, who love to give.  Recently we committed to a once a week volunteer opportunity that allows them to give back to their community, and asks them to sacrifice their time and serve others.  Did it fit the mission of our family? You bet it did, so we MADE time to do it!    This is one guideline that really helps me avoid doing stuff just to do it, and helps me be very intentional.  It is also always a time I pray to make sure God isn't changing the mission, cause if He wants to, He can.  

 Quite frankly, there are alot of GOOD things to do out there.   I heard a saying once, I don't remember where, that said in a nutshell: saying no to good things, will allow you to say a greater "yes" 

That has always stuck with me.  Hopefully I can remember it the next time the phone rings with the next "good" thing!

The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. - - Tony Blair

"Do whatever you do intensely.” — Robert Henri