CAPACITY is the scope, size, or space of something or someone. It is defined as an ability to receive or contain; the power of receiving impressions or knowledge, mental ability; an actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand.
In today’s world, we are often taxed beyond our capacity. This creates all manner of unhealthy phobias, coping mechanisms, dysfunctions, and financial problems.
Here are 3 ways to live within your personal capacity.
1. Recognize Your Capacity
Each of our vessels are created differently. Some are open and overflowing; some need to put a lid on it, and some have a lid that hinges. Some are large and sturdy; some are small and delicate. All are breakable. Our vessels contain different personalities, temperaments, skills, energy levels, and tolerances.
You may be high energy or low key; driven or easy going; ambitious or patient; outgoing or introspective.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
God created you with a unique combination of traits. Recognize your capacity as the scope and shape of who God created you to be.
2. Accept Your Limitations
In Exodus chapter 5, the Israelites were given limitations.
“That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people: “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.” Exodus 5:6-9
Pharaoh made the Israelites’ lives harder so they would be too busy to worship God. Like Satan, the original gaslighter and father of lies, Pharaoh accused Moses of lying.
When the Israelites had to gather their own straw, they could not make as many bricks. When your resources grow thin, your responsibilities increase, or your range of ability lessens, your capacity changes.
Accept your limitations of time, energy, skills, money, emotional and mental capacity. If you are raising children, starting a new job, grieving, or any number of life circumstances, your capacity will be affected.
3. Follow God’s Example
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
God set aside a day to rest, and He created you with a need for rest as well. Living within your capacity emphasizes rest to rejuvenate energy.
Once you recognize your capacity within the scope and shape of how God created you, learn to accept your limitations, and follow God’s example of rest, you will be prepared to live within your capacity for a fulfilling and peaceful life filled with candy-colored JOY.
Are you: a colorful lollipop or a smooth chocolate truffle; a hot cinnamon fireball or a cool refreshing peppermint; a hard jaw breaker or a soft chewy caramel; a fruity orange chew or a nutty pecan crisp; a tangy lemon drop or a sweet gummy bear? Or are you something else entirely?
Celebrate the person God created you to be!
Blessings to you,
Dianne
‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:24-26
Learn more about Dianne at www.diannemiley.com. Find Dianne’s books on Amazon.
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