do what you can, not what you can't

Hello! How is life? We are continuing to ride bikes, play in the clover-filled, backyard, and do our local Chick-fil-A drive through in the afternoons, mostly to say hi to the Daddy. What fills your days currently? I never thought this stay-at-home thing would last as long as it has, and, it takes its toll, am I right? From a

mental health standpoint, this type of distance and way of life can really mess with people! It can be extremely difficult to keep going with jobs, continuing education, household tasks, working out, staying creative, or momming each day! I am over working out with youtube videos and being unable to see people! If this is getting tiresome, or maybe became tiresome many weeks ago, I am right there with you!

One topic my hubs and I have talked about is “do what you can do, not what you can’t do.” It sounds funny and may not make sense, so let me explain. L turned seven in June and EK turned six this month. Their idea of a birthday party for this year included a backyard movie with friends and cake. While they had this idea long ago, probably since last summer, this year did not exactly meet expectations. Instead of simply cancelling everything and allowing the bummer summer to overtake special events, they were able to celebrate even when unable to carry out their plans. We had a cookout for lunch in June and a Chick-fil-A picnic in a field in July. EK still got her ears pierced, so she was happy about that. We still had cake and even put up a massive balloon banner across the front porch entry.

I hate when plans change or events are cancelled and it is super easy to get bummed out and feel like not doing anything, BUT let’s do what we CAN, not what we CAN’T. If we can’t have friends for a party, let’s still celebrate now and try again next year. This is even relevant anytime, not just at this time of being separated from society and normality. So many times we are tempted to wait until something in our lives changes until we start a new habit or enjoy time or celebrate. Why not enjoy NOW and make the most of the present day God has given us?

This way of life applies spiritually as well. We may not have a cushy job that affords tons of time first thing in the morning to spend time with God and we may not have a lot of time to spend. Do what you can. Don’t wait for circumstances to change or the blessing of time with God today will be missed! Are you wanting to learn a new skill? Figure out a way to begin where you are.

Adversity and struggle affects everybody. Every. Single. Person. A person in another country may struggle to find water, while a person in town may struggle with loneliness. We all have adversity in common. You know what? Struggle is not the worst thing ever or even something to avoid! In it, we find peace from God and see His love.

Lately, nobody at my house sleeps! I see eyes around 6 a.m. and those same eyes are getting put back in bed over and over and over even at 10 p.m. I might not make it. I must mention the screaming, running, and rolling around that shakes the house at any point in the day. It’s chaos sometimes, really. I have never experienced children with difficulty going to bed…until now! Yikes! I also want to stay busy, so we have been perusing my craft bins to find fun things to make. I want to stay busy with fun tasks, not just chores. I am trying to do what I can do, not what I can't do, so I work out...to the television. We stay cool...in the backyard sprinkler. We read books...at home since the library has not been open. We watch movies...in the living room since there are no summer movies this year. We have attempted creativity by baking different chocolate chip cookie recipes in order to find the best. It seems all I have done for months is household duties and referee fights. We have had some fun memories, but it’s still a bit strange. This is a weird period of time in life for sure!

This adversity is where the enemy likes to get us. If the enemy can get into our head and cause us to doubt God’s Word, he can cause us to doubt God’s faithfulness, goodness, and provision. All he has to do is distort our perception of circumstances we experience. It is not a matter of whether we experience difficulty or not, but how we respond - if we allow Him to grow our faith and relationship with Him. Every day will not be a great day, but it can be filled with hope when we remind ourselves the Truth from His Word. Adversity is a great conversation we will definitely have another day, so hold on for that one! Speaking of God’s Truth, let me leave you with some encouraging Words.

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

John 16:33

Let’s together again soon. In the meantime, keep going. I will be here finding creative projects to keep my hands busy and mind sharp. I will be looking for ways to do what I can, not what I can't. Know that God loves you.

Love,

Charis