My entire life I have believed, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." I'm sure you have heard that too. In fact, I can't count the numerous times I have quoted that to others as well as to myself. Today I wonder, is that "name dropping" and "meant to be encouraging" quote even in the Bible? Actually no, it is not. I just checked.
Katie taught me differently about that familiar quote. Katie Davis is one of my new best friends even though we have not hugged yet. At 18 years of age she went on a short-term mission trip to Uganda, Africa. Her life was forever changed and she did not bring her whole heart home. Upon Katie's high school graduation she decided to spend one year in Uganda before beginning college. A little "hiccup" got in the way of coming home and beginning college when Katie adopted 14 breathtaking, Ugandan children.
This is Katie's angle on God not giving us more than we can handle:
"God does give us more than we can handle. Not maliciously, but intentionally, in love, that His glory may be displayed, that we may have no doubt of who is in control, that people may see His grace and faithfulness shining through our lives."
Along with Katie, I have found the more I hand over to God "those things I think I can handle", the more I see Him do the insurmountable. It is at that precise time peace floods through me, in fact, more peace and joy than I can handle.
Thanks for reading,
L.
P.S. To read more about my new best friend, check out her awesome book:
Davis, Katie. Kisses from Katie. New York, NY: Howard Books, 2011.
www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com
I envisioned I would have already written "Trust - Part Two" by now. I would have written how my daughter is doing better processing her adoption and that we are making momentous progress. I would be happy. You would be happy. And we would have a blog celebration of sorts, right?
Not so much.
A more deft update looks like this, I cracked and am worrying more than I was before and I feel like I am failing miserably. That is until I am reminded of the things I have learned thus far on this trusting journey and the beauty I have found along the way.
Even though my emotions on this journey are ALL over the place, God is the same. He is the SAME Refuge and Comforter. He has NEVER left my daughter or me, His love for us has NEVER wavered, and He KNOWS what He is doing. This dispenses hope in great quantities to my soul.
I have also learned that my worrying happens when I am expecting God's timeline to align with mine. I know His timing is perfect, but I am not always believing it. I am doubting, begging and asking God, "WHEN will we see progress?" and worry and fear swiftly infiltrate every part of me.
He reminds me of what this blog is all about, "He hath made every thing beautiful in His time." Eccl. 3:11 (KJV) I need to trust in the God who NEVER changes that my daughter will be healed beautifully in His time. Not mine.
Trusting with you,
L.
In lieu of making New Years resolutions, I have been inspired from an article I read this morning to do just one thing. I have decided to write a thank you note to someone every single day this year. I have done gratitude journals in the past, and those are great, but it's really only benefiting me. At first I thought my "one thing" was too lofty, but, I have a plan.
I am going to use emailing and texting in my "thank you note" venture with the goal of handwriting at least one thank you note per week. I'm seeking to thank people for things both little and big, past and present. Who's coming with me? Maybe you are already proficient in that area. Instead, do you need to be more generous? (I'm thinking 2013 for me.) Or, more loving? Caring? Compassionate? Do you need more fun? More crazy?
Imagine the funtential here! The important thing is to do something. One thing.
I have a favor to ask. If you are "coming with me" or picking your own "one thing", would you please write me and update me on anything super cool that has happened? Will you help keep me accountable? I am sure I will need the encouragement. Although, my hecka cute owl stationary is pretty dang inspiring for now!
Thanks for reading, L.
