By Joseph J. Mazzella

I can remember my mom telling me one that after I learned to say “Mama and “Dada” may third word was “No!” Sadly, I used that word much too often as a boy.

I didn’t want to eat my vegetables. I didn’t want to go to bed on time. I didn’t want to work in the garden. I didn’t want to stay in the yard when I played. I would many rather read books than help my mom and nana with the household chores. In other worlds, I was a bit of a brat. Being the youngest of three sons and the “baby” of the family, I probably got away with “No” a lot more than I should have. I was slightly spoiled, to say the least.

At some point in my childhood, though, I began to say “Yes!” a lot more and “No!” a lot less. I can remember carrying heavy pails of slop to feed the pigs we raised for meat and being proud that I was able to do so. I can remember carrying wood for our stove a fresh spring water for us to drink and being happy knowing that I was helping out my Mom and Dad. I can remember studying hard to get good grades in school and the pride in my parents eyes when I got into college. I can remember learning that saying “Yes” could bring more joy into my life than saying “No” ever did.

At some point in my life too. I also began to say “Yes!” to God. I began to ask for his guidance and accept his love. I began to try and be the person He meant for me to be and live the life that He meant for me to be and live the life that He meant for me to live. I began to love myself and others as myself.

I am still learning how to say “Yes.” I still selfishly “No” far too often. But I know that God is patient with me and is not done with me yet. My only advice to you then is not to wait as long as I did. “Yes” to God. Say “Yes” to life. Say “Yes” to love. Say “Yes” to helping others and making this world a better place. Yes may only be a word, but it can change your life.