Do What You Can Do

I looked down at my right index finger all bandaged up and began to worry.  

Just three days prior, I had sliced it with a freshly sharpened kitchen knife. Even though the doctor said I didn't need stitches, the wound was still fresh and my finger was still tender and sore.  Now I was on my way to play in a softball game and was expected to pitch, nonetheless.  

As we drove along, I voiced my concerns to my husband--concerns that the ball wouldn't flow smoothly out of my hand, or that I might walk more players than I intended, or that I might accidentally hit my finger while trying to field a ball. 

Little did I know my daughters were soaking in every word as I shared my thoughts aloud in the car.  

My youngest interrupted my rambling by making a very serious declaration, "Mama.  Just do what you can do.  That's all."  

"Do what I can do?"  

"Yes, do what you can do."  

Pretty profound words from a four year old, if I must say so myself.  

Selfishly, I'd like to take credit for her words of wisdom, believing that somewhere along the line, she's heard me encourage her with the very same advice.  Perhaps.  Perhaps not.

It seems my little girl offered me the appropriate word at the appropriate time.  It was just what I needed to hear---when I needed to hear it.  
A combination of both encouragement and freedom.  
A push to do my best and forget the rest. 
A suggestion of faith plus action.  

Aptly spoken.  Graciously received.

How many times have I done the same thing?  
Spoken confidence to a hesitant heart?  
Whispered words of mercy versus condemnation? 
Voiced encouragement in place of criticism?

"The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry..." 

Proverbs 25:11 (The Message) 

In others words, the right word will be a perfect fit, made explicitly for the individual and displayed at just the right time.

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose." 

Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)

"Do what you can do" has become a mantra in my head this past week.  I have recited it whenever I've felt anxious or worried about pending circumstances.  My daughter's wise words have helped me put things in perspective when I've felt myself slipping into perfectionistic thoughts or feeling overwhelmed with future responsibilities.  How amazing to learn something so profound from one so young!  So here's my prayer:

Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You.  I desire to bless instead of curse.  May my tongue express gratitude more than it expresses discontent. I pray my words will be bursting forth with life and honor You.  Thank you for giving my daughter the right words at the right time.  May I learn to do the same.

By the way, despite a shaky first inning, I wound up pitching a good game.  Surprisingly, I even struck out four batters.  All thanks to my little girl who reminded me to, "Do what you can do."  And I did.