Capacity #FMF

When I ponder the word capacity, my mind moves to limits, boundaries, and the word “no”. Probably because I struggle to remember and define my capacity and often find myself pushing my limits, forgetting the importance of healthy boundaries, and not wanting to say “no”, to myself or anyone else. But as I consider these realities of my daily struggle to live within my capacity in a healthy and God honoring way, I am reminded of Psalm 16:6 “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” (CSB). What a beautiful reminder that the Lord has determined my boundary lines, He understands my limited capacity and humanity. And this is all a good thing. Understanding and optimizing capacity - terminology often used in business - is a good practice for every day life, too. Taking time to intentionally assess how life is going and adjust as needed is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I have found making reflection a regular practice has been key in learning to recognize when adjustments are needed in my life. As I look back I can see more clearly what is working and what is not working for me. This gives me insight into what changes I want to make going forward. I am learning to appreciate my limited capacity because it encourages me to prioritize. If I try to do it all I inevitably end up “dropping” things. When I am intentional to make choices about what I will carry, it means choosing which things I will not carry. And that means the things I value most are less likely to fall by the wayside when life gets overwhelming.

The sovereign LORD has given me the capacity to be his spokesman,

so that I know how to help the weary.

He wakes me up every morning;

he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do.

Isaiah 50:4 (NET)

#FMF: I wrote this as part of the Five Minute Friday community of writers. You can find out more about FMF and how to participate HERE.