Here's how i see it. Invitations/ requests/favours from people in our world should be responded to  with a 'Yes, I can' or 'Sorry, I'm not able to right now'. So, WHY do I find myself fumbling for an excuse to justify my refusal...

It takes a brain like a speeding bullett to come up with an instant excuse to 'Will you mastermind the Sunday school's easter production?' when you're asked in September.  It's so easy to  whip out an excuse 'Sorry, we're off to papua New guinea then...' or 'The hamster is suicidal' 'I'm SURE we have guests then'. Maybe because people think homeschoolers are hands on gals that  will take on anything (which of course we are!) they think anything vaguely crafty or to do with children is something we're desperate to gleefully say 'YES' to.

Well I'm finally learning to keep it real and not feel duty bound to any favour request flying my way. It's OK to say no sometimes. Because I'm such a wuss at this the 'leave it with me, I'll get back to you' line works well. I'm realising more and more that for everything there is a time and season and to push in and find what God would have me give my energy to. Also fake Excuses count as lies! (eeek!)And,  if I take on too much, I can't give 100% of myself to anything...and that sucks!