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Today’s Scripture ~ Ephesians 4.6-8 (NCV)
6 There is one God and Father of everything. He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything.
7 Christ gave each one of us the special gift of grace, showing how generous he is. 8 That is why it says in the Scriptures,
"When he went up to the heights,
he led a parade of captives,
and he gave gifts to people." — Psalm 68:18
Wisdom Story
George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of products from the peanut said: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And He told me."
Comments
Living and working together in harmony arises from our being in God and God being in us. We equally share God, and God equally loves us each.
Also, this harmony depends upon our having the meekness not to overreach ourselves in pride. We, utilizing the grace given to us each, apply it within the bounds of our human limits.
When I humbly, gratefully accept the limits and opportunities of my human existence, as God has blessed me by nature and grace, I can live among others more relaxed and joyful, more peaceful and optimistic. I can, furthermore, find myself less demanding of others. I can be more gracious towards the limits others live within. I can more readily celebrate the spiritual presence and gifts they offer.
Many persons, indeed, most of us, have some feelings of inadequacies or prideful ambitiousness. In a society that measures us by how much we do, we may find ourselves less gracious towards our limits and those of others. Learning to live with these limits, both of others and ourselves, is demanding, but, thankfully, also freeing.
Reflections
Are you finding yourself challenged in any area to accept graciously your limits? What is that area?
Do you find yourself more prone to be content in your work or expect too much of yourself?
Do you find yourself more prone to be content with the work of others or expect too much of them?
What can you do this week to relax more into your limits in all areas of your life?
Spiritual Exercise
Pray to God, acknowledging one-by-one limits upon your being and life. Thank God for those limits. Pray for humbleness to live joyfully within them. If you need, pray for patience and love to accept the limits of others in your life. If someone you know is struggling, consider going to him or her and affirming it is okay for him or her to be a limited human person and that God understands and affirms the person in Love.
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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