always have your “yes” on the table

by Austin Tinsley

A pastor of mine once said to always have your “yes” on the table. This was the advice he gave a group of us who were volunteering over our college spring break to help those who had lost everything from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Our group’s “yes” was agreeing to whatever was asked of us on our work sites, whether it was performing grueling manual labor or spending time with people who needed some hope and encouragement when we ourselves did not know the right words to say. I’ve found the “yes” advice is not just confined to a volunteer setting. Bringing nothing except a “yes” to the table has been what has encouraged me to become involved no matter where I am in my life, even when I may have felt unprepared, unqualified, or anxious about the future. Through it all, I have learned that having your “yes” on the table is all God wants as he desires our presence with Him and those around us. My first “yes” at HPCUMC was to fill in for the Worship at 11 team in the spring of 2019. Since then, I have continued to say “yes” to different opportunities. Whether it is something that has immediately sounded interesting or something God has lovingly nudged me toward until I have put my feelings of inadequacy aside and just done it.

After I became a permanent member of the Worship team, I had a deep sense that I needed to be more involved at HPCUMC by joining the Young Adult Ministry group, but I was hesitant. I still was involved at my old church and loved the friends and people I got to spend time with. Additionally, I was nervous about joining a new group of people. Would I be a burden to them? Will this be the right group for me? So many anxious questions filled my head.

Despite my initial anxiousness, I felt like joining was the step to take; a nudge from God. Since then, the people in this group have become my dear friends. Our small group that meets on Monday nights is an empowering space where we feel comfortable talking about our faith, sharing our perspectives, and encouraging one another along our journeys to know God and love others better. I eventually said yes to leading some of our discussions and have seen the positive impact it has had on people, including myself, even when I have felt like nothing I did or said was particularly profound.

We, as a group, have also said “yes” and volunteered and served alongside each other at places like New Life Furniture Bank, Found House, and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, we have become great teammates on the best sand volleyball team in the City of Cincinnati, Serves You Right. Thus, your own proclivity to say “yes” might be fostered by others around you saying “yes.” I have also experienced how having my “yes” on the table has led to unexpected blessings.

Indeed, I have a lot to say about how the people in this group have lived out their “yes”. One of the deepest impacts on my life has been these friends demonstrating their love and support through all my life circumstances. When I was sick, they offered to bring me food or anything else I needed. When I graduated law school, they celebrated with me. When a friend of mine passed away after a hard battle with cancer, they grieved with me. When I complained about studying for the Bar this past summer, they listened with patience and reminded me of my worth. When I passed the Bar, they cheered me on and fostered my excitement for the future of my career. Without having my “yes” on the table, I would not have experienced the blessings of these sincere friends.

My next “yes” has been to join the strategic planning committee, to assist with the future vision of the church. While I could share how unqualified I feel to be part of this committee, my posture throughout the years of learning to have my “yes” on the table more and more has reminded me that I do not have to be qualified, but willing for God to use. Our willingness is all God asks of us.

Having your “yes” on the table will bring hard times and difficult decisions. It is not always easy, but I have found it is well worth it. To be sure, we do not have to say yes to every little thing, but in being open to the Holy Spirit guiding you to become more involved in living out the love of God, you will find blessings and opportunities that you never thought were there before. Sometimes you may not know what is in store for the future, but perhaps it is simply “yes” to something God is nudging you towards right now. Is your “yes” on the table?

by Torie Perdue