I can only do what I can do!

As I sit here thinking about my growing list of things to do for work tomorrow, I can feel the anxiety build. I think my motto for this week will be:

I can only do what I can do.

Yesterday, I found myself in an all to familiar position. My son needed something, and I wanted to jump in and rescue him. I stopped myself; I cannot save him. He is learning to handle life himself, and I have to let him.

I can’t do it all.

We need to know our own limits. We are not miracle workers. There are only so many hours in the day. Especially in this time of change, it is vitally important to know that sometimes you just have to do what you can do. If the rest needs to be done later, its ok.

John 14:1 says “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Do not let your hearts be troubled. To me, that tells me that it is possible to live a peaceful, contented life- even when I have to teach on a computer all day. Even if our lives have changed- peace is possible! The key is to know your limits. I am guilty of pushing myself too hard. I want to do it all, save the world and still have time to sing! When I lose sight of my own limits, I lose my peace. I cannot possibly succeed in doing it all!

Many of you have loved ones in recovery. You know what it is like to want to jump in and rescue them. If you are like me, you also know the harm it can do when we overstep our limits. We have learned the hard way. If you are in recovery yourself, you know the importance of taking one day at a time- and one day cannot hold everything!

Where do you struggle with limits? Right now, I am struggling with work. I have to know my limits- and be sure to leave time for me. It will mean that some things won’t get done this week. But- I can live in peace. I can say to myself- let not your heart be troubled… life is more than trouble. God meant us to know peace!

Can you say- I can only do what I can do?