Being stretched beyond what we thought we could handle is life’s way of pushing us to live outside the box we build around ourselves. We create borders by setting limits to what we think we can and can’t do, and then we shape those borders into a box by setting our mindset on our capabilities. After the shape is complete, we begin to fill it with a variety of things that fit within our comfort level, and everything else gets pushed outside as far as possible.
We see life happening to others and we instantly claim “I could never do what you do” or “I’m grateful this is not happening to me.” We even pray for our comfortable life to stay as is so we’re not forced to live outside our box, outside our comfort level. Until…life happens and situations outside of our control take place and all of a sudden we are forced to expand the borders and allow a new challenge to step in which eventually turns into another comfort.
I always told myself I could never tolerate blood or anything related to medicine. My two sisters chose professions as first responders while I chose a profession in the business world. I could never see and do what they do. At least that’s what I thought until my mother became ill and required a surgery that lead to a plethora of issues and me having to clean her 11” wound, twice a day for four months. When I fully grasped what was being asked of me by her surgeon I almost went into a panic. That day I had to shift my mindset and expand my box, and instantly I became her full-time nurse who was no longer bothered by blood, wound, or the fact that my gloved hand was touching her flesh.
I also always told myself that I could never be a teacher or even think about homeschooling my children. I didn’t think I was programmed with enough patience to do such a daunting task. Little did I know that life again was going to change that for me and on March 12th, I found myself homeschooling my girls. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I can do this and I do have more patience than I gave myself credit for. Although we had some tears and frustrations, those moments were outweighed by all the good moments and memories we created learning together.
How often do you cut yourself short on what you can and can’t bear? You and I are designed to endure and overcome more than we can fathom and yet we cut ourselves short. Whatever life throws at you, though it may be terrible in the beginning, know that in the end it will only lead to growth and triumph.
