Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of finding God in everything is how we find God in human limits, whether in others or ourselves. As someone who is rather perfectionistic, especially about myself, coming to terms with personal limits can be difficult. Indeed, perfectionism itself is probably one of my worst character flaws! There the evil spirit can enter in, as perfectionism can lead me to overwork and exhaustion, or having excessively high expectations in interpersonal relationships.
Catherine of Siena uses a different image in talking about how to deal with shortcomings. She suggests that when God looks at our sin, He always “plucks the rose from that thorn” (Dialogue). We, too, can regard both others’ and our own shortcomings in this way, with gentleness and with an eye to finding what graces might come from any given situation. For example, years ago I went through a major depression that was very difficult. Years later, though, a friend told me that she thinks it has made me much more deeply compassionate toward others’ suffering. Compassion is a flower from the thorns that has bloomed many years later.
My husband’s late grandmother was an avid letter writer. She used to end each letter she wrote to our family with the reminder, “Enjoy one another.” Her adage remains good advice for families, friends, religious communities, and even strangers. God wants us not only to grow into holiness, but also to take joy in our steps as we walk (and dance) with Him.
Today’s 31 Days with St. Ignatius selection is the video, Why Ignatian Spirituality Appeals to Young People.