Story in Review: The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst is a book that I could have used last year. I was overwhelmed, trying to do too much, and at the end of the day my heart felt empty in a way that I couldn’t describe. Rushing from activity to event to meeting with no time in between any of them left me feeling hollow. I never got the chance to reflect on a good moment because I was too busy rushing out the door to the next. I was never able to look forward to anything with anticipation, because I was still reeling from the to-do list of the last project to which I had committed my “yes”. In short, I had no margin.

Six months later, after reevaluating what I want my daily life to look like, saying “no” a lot, and leaving some space in each week to breath and create, my heart feels full again. I feel good about where I am at, and getting out of bed each morning is easier (not easy, because it is so comfortable, but easier).

In The Best Yes, TerKeurst walks the reader through the decision-making process, helping them discover that there are three answers to any new opportunity: Yes, No, and Best Yes. She emphasizes serving out of love and not obligation, and how living a life less rushed will allow you to be present with those around you. The downside to this book (for me) was that it contained those little “catch phrases” here and there that pop up in Christian nonfiction aimed at women – a literary trope that I can never get behind. Lots of rhyming phrases to help you remember points, lots of “dear sister,” etc. It’s not my thing.

Favorite Quotes:

“A woman who lives with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule will often ache with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul.” – p. 21

“…the decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul.” – p.27

“Wisdom makes decisions today that will still be good tomorrow.” – p. 39

“It’s about learning today yes to those things that are truly meant to be our assignments… That’s the only way to ensure there’s space to run and take that leap of faith toward the best things.” – p. 62

“Our decisions aren’t just isolated choices. Our decisions point our lives in the directions we’re about to head.” – p. 68

“But not making a decision is actually a decision. It’s the decision to stay the same. And staying the same when I know I need to change is a choice that carries consequences with it.” – p. 98

Should you read it? If you are feeling overwhelmed, like you have no time to stop and breathe and enjoy life – Yes, pick up this book. If you have a hard time saying “no” to all the good opportunities in front of you, even when your gut tells you that if you add one more responsibility to your plate you are going to go into the closet and scream – Yes, read this book. Preferably soon. If you are comfortable with where you are allocating your time and have no trouble saying “no” to good opportunities that just aren’t right for you – then you’re good! And please tell me your secrets…

What about you? Have you read The Best Yes? What did you think?