More than I can handle
Have you ever heard the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”? In the past I probably would have believed this statement. It sounds good and right. But after having 4 children in 4 years (and soon-to-be 5 children in 5 years) I now know that God sometimes does give more than we can handle–and for good reason. Otherwise, I would not lean on Him and trust Him as He wants me to.
When people see me with my four little ones I often hear them say things like, “Well, you are so patient, you can handle having a big family.” Or “You have the nature for it.” They don’t know me!! I grew up very independent and strong-willed, also with quite a bit of feminist and liberal leanings when it comes to children, family, career, relationship with husband, etc. God has changed my heart immensely in the last ten years. I am so grateful He has been patient with me as I learn how to let Him decide the size of our family and to be content and competent as a keeper at home (as it says in Titus 2:4-5). No, I am not patient by nature but daily the Lord is growing me. Thank you, Lord!
Gena, I am enjoying reading your entries! 🙂
I too was not a patient person by nature, but have come a long way by the grace of God! I still have a ways to go…but I’m always ‘growing’. 🙂
Hi Gena,
Congratulations on all your little ones. I had seven in seven years, my current babies are 10 month old twins. I can relate to your entry, I too am not a patient person by nature, it’s funny God chooses us who are maybe not naturally gracious to shine His glory on to others. I can not take pride because I know my life as a wife and mother is not about my “skills and talents”, but by God’s grace alone.
Jessica Danis
Silly Goose Farm, VT
And if they make those kind of comments they can they escape having to deal with God about their own choices. So often those kind of statements are cop-outs IMHO.
Woohoo—a new baby on the way! I am very happy for you 🙂
Glad to hear you got to go to the convention with your dh. It sure is a lot easier to talk when you get out by yourselves, isn’t it? We used to say we hadn’t had an uninterrupted conversation since 1983, but these days it’s a lot easier than it used to be. In fact, sometimes we actually talk about something besides the kids, lol!
Take care,
Barb