In the last church I served, I met a retired clergyperson, Deborah, who became a great friend of mine. I am forever grateful for her wisdom, sense of humor, zeal for learning, and compassion for others. I am also grateful that upon leaving Sioux Falls she gave me an empty, taped-shut cardboard box. This odd gift sits in my office because it reminds me of something important.

Deborah told me that there is a stamp on that box from its creator, Uline. This clarifies the limits of what can be held within the box. There is a weight limit, a size limit, and a bursting test. We as humans also have limits given by our creator. There is only so much that we can do. There are only so many balls we can keep in the air. There is only so much social media we can consume. There is only so much things we can commit our time to doing. We have our limits, and in order to be a sane, whole person, we have to sometimes let things go.

Whether you enter the month of November feeling good or overwhelmed, remember that you have limits as a person. You do not have to be everything for everyone. God calls us to be people of love, yes. But if you take on too many things or carry too many burdens, then you will reach the bursting limit. Perhaps in this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, it is time to lay down some things so that you can begin something new or simply have more time to be present in this life that God has given. Ensure there is space in your box for practices that feed your soul and connect you to the living God.

God’s peace be with you,
Pastor Jordan Louks

 

Downloads