A viral video is floating around now with a dog that’s mastered something that a lot of humans don’t know how to do: Say No. 

(credit to Gawker)

This dog has figured out a way to say no to his owners. The dog knows what he doesn’t want.

The dog hates being put in his kennel. After being dragged into it against his better wishes too many times, the dog stands his ground.

This dog says no to what sucks the life out of him. We should do the same.

A dog is meant to be free. Dogs are made to run and jump and explore, not be confined to a kennel or a cage.

What were you made to do? Are there things that are stopping you from being who God made you to be? Why not take a lesson from this dog and Say No?

This weekend is your weekend. Instead of getting bogged down by busyness, try saying no this weekend.

Say no the projects, the activities, the relationships which suck the life out of you. Do something you’ve been meaning to do, been wanting to do, been dying to do but haven’t made the time for it.

Here’s my challenge to you this weekend: Say no to at least one opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s an invitation to hang out, or a call in to cover someone’s shift at work, just say no.

Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. You need to rest. You need time to do what gives you life.

When God created the world, He took a day off. He took time to rest. How quick we are to forget this!

We think we need to work to feel worth. We think a day off is a day wasted. But your soul needs to recharge. You need to fill up before you can pour yourself out.

Whatever it is that fills you up, do more of that. 

Rest looks different for everyone. For some people it’s staying in bed and bingewatching the first season of “Scandal”. For others it’s getting in the backyard and gardening. For others it might be scouring record stores in downtown Athens.

Take a day of rest. Say no to the things of life that make you feel caged in.

Happy Friday.