During a recent shower renovation, several gentlemen spent a few days working in my home. On the second day of this project, one man stopped me, and looked at my children, saying, “So, you’ve got your hands full all day, every day?” I smiled and nodded and filed that comment under the “why do people say these things?” section of my brain.

Upon reflection though, I have to admit he’s right. I have three children, ages six and under. Most days my prayers sound more like a plea for a third arm because, really, I just need to be able to do more, to hold more. But . . . my hands are full. My hands are full of Legos, Cheerio crumbs, and diapers. My hands are full of arms and legs that are escaping clothing, car seats, and bathtubs. My hands are full of children.

As it turns out, Jesus had his hands full of children at times, also: “‘Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.’ Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them (Mt 19:14-15; Lk 18:17; Mk 10:16).

My hands are absolutely filled with opportunities to enter the kingdom of God like a child. How often do my children teach me? How often do I see my relationship with the Father echoed in their lives? Truly, my hands are full of innocence, joy, and wonder. My hands are full of purity, potential, and sanctification (mostly my own). My hands are full of God’s blessings.

Amid the daily grind, it can be hard to keep this perspective—to snatch those opportunities. When you are wiping up spilled juice for the umpteenth time, you may forget the beauty that is held in your hands because it looks a little bit like a dirty rag. Don’t be fooled. When you feel overwhelmed, and you begin to doubt, choose to see the beauty. Look for opportunities to reflect, to challenge the worldly vision. Yes, you’ve got your hands full—but what are you holding? You are holding those to whom the kingdom of God belongs. Open wide those hands until they overflow.