“No is just as much of an answer as yes.”

This has become one of my mantras in the past few months.  The answer “No” from God only directs us closer to a “Yes”.

I think of it this way in my head:

My first time bowling I scored an 8.  Eight.  Not 80 or even 18.  Eight.

In my defense (if there is one for such a score), I was only in fourth grade at the time.  But what, besides being less than athletic and very uncoordinated, was my problem?  Before you come up with a list, I will tell you: No bumpers.

Remember the bumpers that we used at the bowling alley when we’d take our kids bowling?  They were big puffy  “fillers” for the gutters so that our kids wouldn’t get discouraged by all of their bowling balls ending up rolling straight into the gutter and missing each and every pin.

The bumpers were there for a purpose.  As the ball would slowly go down the lane it would hit the bumpers and go back and forth (seemingly endlessly) between them until it finally got to its destination and knocked down a pin or two.  Then there was great cheering and clapping as a number could actually be put on the scoreboard.

When God says “No” to something, it’s that bumper that keeps us from falling in the gutter.  It keeps us on the path to the goal.  Sometimes it feels like we go from one No to another as we bounce back and forth along the alley.  Closed doors right and left.  But if we look up we notice that those “bumpers” are directing us to right where we need and ultimately want to be going.

There are pins at the end.  The Yes we are looking and hoping and aiming for.  And every time we hit a No bumper we are one roll closer to where we should be.  Not in the gutter, but headed for the cheering and clapping.  A score.

I want to look at every No as clearer direction to Yes.

And hopefully this time my score will be a little higher than eight. 🙂

Matthew 7:7 – Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.