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The 'No' Factor

Album: Gold Audio 15: A Place of Wonder

Episode: 199

Lesson/Theme: Being wise with your time; the danger of overcommitment.

Bible Verse: Eccelsiastes 3:2-8; 11

Characters: Connie, Eugene

Writer: Phil Lollar

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: July 18, 1992

Last Air Date: September 24, 2008

Description:
Connie is busy, busy, busy! First, her pastor has asked her to be part of an important ministry, visiting the sick and shut-ins, taking them medicine, and running errands for them. Then, Connie volunteers her time to work in the library at Campbell County Community College. Next, she agrees to be in a play Jack Davis is directing for the Odyssey Parks and Recreation Department. Later, Dale Jacobs convinces her to write an article for the Odyssey Times about her experiences at Whit's End. Finally, Marsha pleads with her to sponsor their Sunday school class picnic. All this is in addition to her school studies and extracurricular activities, church attendance, membership in the youth group, and her job at a certain ice cream shop and discovery emporium. To say Connie's schedule is stretched thin would be an extreme understatement! She attacks each task with gusto and fervor, at first. But as time goes on, more and more details of each task begin slipping through the cracks. Soon, Connie is messing up on a regular basis, which culminates when she forgets all about her commitment to the pastor. Fortunately, the pastor is forgiving. He even offers Connie a remedy for her situation, something he calls "The 'No' Factor", in other words, learning how to say "no". It's a lesson Connie has learned the hard way, and hopefully, she's learned it well.

Questions:
Why did Connie take on so many tasks? How could she have avoided becoming overcommitted? Is it wrong to say "no" when people want you to help them? Why or why not?