By Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D.
How many times have you felt like you’ve hit your “max” and somehow you keep plodding along? You find yourself still alive, battered but possibly a little stronger for having withstood what you thought was “your max”.
It’s a fine line to discern your real human limitation side-by-side with pushing beyond what you think you can do to the next level. It takes a healthy sense of self to know that reaching your human limitations and admitting “you need space”, “need to regroup”, “need to pause” is a very admirable thing. Most of us have a hard time admitting it. And then there are some of us who might not even get off the couch to realize that there is potential to be had. Others of us strive so much for the next and the next, it tires everyone out and you start to wonder will it ever stop.
The fine line requires a healthy sense of self. Receptivity to what is uncomfortable and unknown. A humble spirit. A desire to grow. Growth implies pruning, death of what was, acceptance of what is and hope for what could be, it allows for transformation.
Our life journey is a daily ebb and flow of what this process looks and feels like. It is probably a fact that there are layers and depths of potential to be uncovered and discovered within us. At times, “our max” points to the crest of the hill that we are just about to go over. Don’t give up. On the other side, we will see and experience untold beauty. At other times, “our max” will simply show us that we are being very self-reliant and God is asking us to let it go and surrender it all to Him.
So…next time you feel that you are hitting “your max” have a good chat with the Lord and ask Him to help you discern what it is that He is really trying to show you in the moment. He will. Isn’t it great that you are struggling with “your max” versus “your minimum”! Just thought I’d mention it. There is usually an upside to most things!
Your Friend, Max (hoping you see the humor in the close out!)
