Limits.
I hated limits when I was three and had to take a nap. I hated limits when I was ten and couldn’t ride my bike anywhere I wanted. I hated limits when I was a teen and a curfew limited my fun. I hate limits today. I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. I hate when limits smack me upside the head altering my day, my dreams, my to do list. Our limits are never an excuse for laziness or half-heartedness, but they do play a role in the marathon race we run: the pace and the pit-stops.
Jesus’ life was defined by limits. (Sin—no. Limits—yes.) When he walked this earth he did so in a human body defined by limits. He knew deep fatigue (Matthew 8:24). He was familiar with aching muscles (John 4:6). He knew the sting of heartache (Matthew 14:13). He did not heal everyone on earth who was sick. He healed those the Father placed in his path. He did not preach to every lost soul. His ministry was ordained by the Father, yet defined by the very real limits of the human body.
Who are we to think we can do otherwise?
But I can do some things.
These things I do, I want to be ordained and orchestrated by God, even if his plans for my day do not match the items on my to do list. It’s been a slow go, but over time I have come to see that my limits and limitations are a constant reminder that God is God and I am not. This is possibly life-lesson #1 for me. I have found it well worth the energy this surrender demands.
Proverbs 16:9 sums it up well: In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Personal Note
I want to do a lot of things right now, but I am limited in many ways. Joshua’s vibrant living in the midst of his dying, the intense needs of our other children and the launch of many exciting things for Run Hard. Rest Well. are making for a “full plate”season. I live what I teach. Because of this, I am intimately and painfully aware of my limits, but rejoice in the fact that my limits are not God’s. He is using others in dynamic ways to launch this ministry to heights I could never take it. My limits showcase God’s call and gifting in others. The Kingdom grows.
Celebrate with us, these new things!
- The Dream Team. They have been running hard! How do I say thanks? I’d like to introduce them to you some time soon.
- The logo, the branding of Run Hard. Rest Well. Through it more doors will open.
- The new website layout. It is still a work in progress, but people can now access the site through Facebook, Twitter and RSS feed. Free resources will arrive soon.
- God said “yes” to the fall line-up of speaking. Josh was stable. I was able to slip away for a few 24-hour time slots – one of my recent talks has been posted for viewing on-demand. It was refreshing, empowering. The response to the message always affirms and energizes me. I have my marching orders for the next 50 years.
- A team has assembled to make Run Hard. Rest Well. a non-profit corporation. It is a dream I have barely been able to imagine.
- A website for Red Diamond Days is up and coming. The response to Josh’s dream has been remarkable. The stories are gripping from individuals and entire church groups. Humbling. Powerful. May God give His message through this little gem wings into each and every heart.
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