There are certain limitations that we’ve learned to live with. We can’t fly, for example, but not many of us complain. But there are certain limitations that we experience that are harder to stomach. Some of them come from within. My height and weight have kept any of my earlier dreams of professional sports from becoming a reality. I’d love to think that my size was my only limitation, but some greater levels of coordination always seem to escape me as well. I was known for hustling, not scoring. As an adult and as my calling and vocation as a pastor became clearer, I began to look for models of pastoring. I was drawn to examples of pastors with energy and vision—those who (at least from afar) seemed to have limitless capacity. But as I’ve lived out my vocation, I’ve recognize some limitations with both capacity and physiology. For one, I’m not very good at multi-tasking. I can do one thing pretty well and focus on that one thing. Some of my early models of ministry just seem to be able to do many things at an extremely high level all the time. Also, I've noticed I had a different level of capacity and energy entering my 30’s than I do now entering my 40’s. At some point, I realized I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do and still be a good husband, father, and friend. On top of capacity levels, there are just some things I’m not very good at and need others to come along side me.
This found me at just the right time. Thank you for these reflections, and that Thomas Merton quote!
You've got a kindred spirit in Montreal.