Though I definitely appreciate the bold and funny creativity involved, I sure don’t claim to be an expert on the delightful art of improv comedy. What I have heard is that one of the pillars of improv is the idea of “Yes, and” – that when someone else in a scene states something, participants accept it as truth and BUILD upon it.
In this current culture often dominated by self-care, isolation, skepticism, and boundaries, I often find myself employing the opposite principle: responding to almost everything that comes at me with a big ol’ pre-fab “NOPE.” Because that’s what most of it deserves, I can reason. I need to protect myself! But… I’m starting to ponder if that’s how the Author of All Hope and Goodness would want me to live.
A few weeks ago, after starting the day with some brief time using my prayer journal and in the midst of some typical tasks, I received a few new inquiries. Without understanding HOW exactly I was going to manage these invitations to engage, I said yes. Yikes! That response felt pretty reckless as it was coming out of my mouth, but also like the right reply once it was out there. And what followed turned out to be not just possible, but also inspiring, joyful, and much easier than my own imagination would have calculated if I had let it.
If I start each day with sincere prayer, offering my moments to God to manage with His grace, justice, and humor, can I trust that He will set me up to say yes to His very good invitations – and that He will clearly point out any dangers to avoid? Yes! I can boldly say yes to God’s truth! And I can watch the resulting goodness unfold.
On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, maybe we could all use a little more “Yes, and” theory in our minds, our hearts, our choices. Will you join me? It’ll be so much more than fun to watch what God does next.
Marian Bart