Over my summer vacation (2019) with my family, I read three books pictured below. After finishing the books, I realized there were some similar themes found in each. One such topic was around the idea of limits. In the book by Peter Scazzero chapter 8 is entitled “Receive the Gift of limits.”
“Understanding and respecting our boundaries and limits is one of the most important character qualities and skills leaders need in order to be long-term lovers of God and others.” (Scazzero, Peter “The Emotionally Healthy Church,” p. 141)
Some often see limits as a negative thing, but what if they also can serve a positive role in our life. Peter Scazzero see limits as a spiritual issue as well.
I put a limit on my life so that my kids do not grow up without a dad around.
I put a limit on what I eat or where I spend my time so that I can receive other benefits.
God puts limits around my life that serve as guard rails to lead me to wholeness.
Ecclesiastes chapter 3 shares there is a season for everything, a time to plant, a time to grow. Given the season of life, you are in what are reasonable limits you need to embrace, to not miss the beauty of life around you.
Scazzero comments that “anger, depression, and rage, for example often function as oil lights in our lives, informing us that something is not right on the inside of the engine of our lives. (Scazzero, Peter “The Emotionally Healthy Church,” p. 148)
Where are you at?
Limits have this way of reminding of us of our need for others in our lives and that we are not God.
In my life, I often expect too much from my self and admitting my limits is hard. At times the needs or perceived needs of what needs to be done are higher than my supply. In my life, this leads to anger and loss of focus. I have found my productivity system is essential here to help me know my limits and set them. It helps me to celebrate what does get done and gain focus.
Accepting and knowing our limits is a humbling experience and can lead to lower stress and anxiety.
At the same time, we should ask ourselves are there limits I need to break through because they are as Scazzero puts it “Character flaws?”(p.155)
Questions for reflection
To be a better father, I need to …?
What limit do I need to accept in my life?
What limit do I need to breakthrough?
How could the limits I have be good?
In my business, what limits are good, and what are bad?