Just Enough

The question seemed so strange to be posted from such a devout woman as Alexis Walkenstien at the end of December. “What has God done for you in 2023?” Initially, I thought she was looking to highlight the ‘big wins’ on her feed. Tweaked a bit, I clicked  the comment button. I typed in ‘just enough’ then deleted it, for fear of sounding sarcastic. I turned to my computer and started to write.

In 2023, God gave me just enough.

   God gave me just enough heartache to discover it can be the seed of compassion. 

He gave me enough loneliness to treasure the chaos and messiness of loved ones.

He gave me enough curiosity to ponder.

   God gave me just enough bad days to appreciate the good ones. 

He gave me enough frustration to accept there are things I wasn’t meant to control. 

He gave me enough discomfort to know that comfort and growth cannot coexist. 

   God gave me just enough grace to push away the darkness. 

He gave me enough miracles to see prayers answered.

He gave me enough new friends to realize God always fills what is empty. 

   God gave me just enough challenges to know I have purpose.

He gave me enough obstacles to know I still possess a tenacious spirit.  

He gave me enough strength to know that I am able.

   God gave me just enough compliments to know my gift can help someone.

He gave me enough failures to keep me humble.

He gave me enough haters to know I am relevant. 

   God gave me just enough silence so I could hear His voice.

He gave me enough joy to recognize there is always hope.

He allowed enough grief to know love is the greatest gift of all.

Just enough may have been just right.

Janie Carney

February 6, 2024