A Norvell Note for April 4, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 14

I Can’t Do It All 

I can’t do it all. I try to do it all, and I try to convince myself that I can. Sometimes I even try to convince others that I can. It is frustrating when I admit that I can’t do it all. 

I can’t work and rest at the same time. 

I can’t be young and get older at the same time. 

I can’t be at home and with my children and grandchildren simultaneously.

I can’t write an article while I watch a movie. I can, but it’s a mess. 

I try to do all these things, but I can’t.

I can’t help everyone that needs or wants my help. 

I can’t attend every friend’s funeral.

I can’t attend the wedding of all my friend’s children. 

I can’t travel to all the places I would like to. 

I can’t watch every basketball game. Almost but not quite. 

The Scripture says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But I realize that does not mean I can do all the things I want to do. I think it means that I can do all that He wants and needs me to.

So, what do I do about the needs I see? 

Simple. I learn to accept that I can’t do everything. Ouch! 

I can pray the Serenity Prayer. 

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

I can pray this prayer: God, give me wisdom. Then, give me the wisdom to use the wisdom You give me.

I can pray this prayer: God, you have given me the ability to do many things, not everything, but many things. Thank You. Now help me look for opportunities to use the talents You have given me to do what You need me to do. Then, allow me to trust that You have equipped other people to do the other things that need to be done and be at peace. 

I can’t do everything, but I can do some things. The things that I can do, I can do in a way that no one else can. So, I need to do the things I can and do them well. 

Lord, remind me to pray these prayers and know that You will give me the opportunities, abilities, and strength to do the things I need to do.

I can’t do everything, but I can do what I can do. 

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