Learning to Love like St. Francis
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The other day, I was doing my daily Lectio morning prayer, and I stopped at the phrase “By the grace of God, I am what I am” in a reading from Paul.
I love that, St. Paul, and I needed to hear it that particular day. A few days later, I passed it along to someone else who needed to hear it too.
The last couple weeks at work have illuminated some of my weaknesses in terms of skills - areas where I am not gifted or less gifted than others. I found myself wishing I had their gifts.
In prayer, I realized that I need to accept myself as I am, with my strengths and limitations, and not wish for the gifts of others that I don’t have.
Self acceptance doesn’t come easy.
By the grace of God, He made me. He’s molded me. He’s gifted me. But He’s also limited me, and I am what I am.
Our limits are also gifts if we pay attention to them. They give us boundaries. They make us uniquely suited to particular roles. They help us focus on our strengths. They position us to make the biggest impact for God.
God knows what He’s doing. He’s equipped us with all we need. He’s gifted us uniquely. He has a particular purpose for us that is exactly matched to who we are.
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
