An Honor Roll for the Beautifully Limited

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A few weeks ago, I pulled a book off the shelf to look up a passage. As I was flipping pages, I came across a sentence that I have been pondering since stumbling upon it.

“I do not need to have all of the answers or do everything perfectly. I am a creature, a work in progress, a human being who is beautifully limited…” *

I love the idea that I am, and each of us is “beautifully limited.” I think of those individuals that we speak of as being “intellectually limited,” “physically limited,” or “emotionally limited.” At some level I don’t think I ever considered myself as being limited in that sense. Indeed, I do know I have limits. And the older I am the more I am aware of those limitations. But being “beautifully limited” opens up a whole new vista of who I am and who others are. I think we live in a society where there are expectations that we do not have limitations. Or we learn early to hide the limitations. Or we are excluded because of our limitations. To be “limited-free” is unrealistic and the source of much stress. But media does not promote that fact, nor do some families or some schools. Sometimes I think life is one big honor roll of the “beautiful people” – whoever they are. Maybe we need an honor roll for all of us “beautifully limited” people.

Last month we were visiting family. Our grandchild was in a school play. I sat next to a Dad whose child has some mild degree of learning limitations. I was so moved by how the Dad attended to his child; so quietly, so gently so that his child would feel comfortable and enjoy the play which the child did. His Dad looks at his child and sees the child’s beauty, not the child’s limitations. That is how God looks at us. And how we are invited to look at each other. That truly is the “look of love.” And that look of love, whether from God, a friend, a spouse, a parent, a sibling, whoever, that is the look that heals. That “look of love” make us whole, “beautiful limitations” and all.

During this season of spring where everything is blooming, bursting with life, may we be open to the looks of love bestowed on us, believing that our “beautiful limitations” is part of who we are. And may we open our eyes and hearts to others’ “beautiful limitations”and see their beauty. Authentic Love heals and makes us whole.

Happy Spring!

Bridget

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*Book referenced: Kevin O’Brien, SJ, The Ignatian Adventure, (Chicago: Loyola Press, 2011.) p.267.