Start with one’s limitations

Overcoming Life’s Disappointments: First Words

For someone who is as well-known and well-respected as Rabbi Harold Kushner, it was somewhat surprising to hear him begin the introduction to his book with a confession of how intimidated he was by his subject matter. Overcoming Life’s Disappointments is a reflection on the life of Moses and Kushner writes that “someone (Someone?) has already done that, and done it better than I could ever hope to.”

This admission of one’s limitations is not something I often hear in the world today. On social media it is easy to see self-proclaimed experts professing expertise in whatever subject matter, whether it is global politics, religion, or popular culture. There is no place for someone still learning, growing, or attempting to figure out the world.

Expert who recognized his limitations

One of the oddest things about this statement is that Rabbi Kushner was actually trained to be an expert in his particular field. Like all clergy, rabbis learn about Scripture, the history of Biblical interpretation, and their own faith tradition. He was by no means a self-proclaimed Instagram influencer. He was someone commissioned by his religious community to teach and proclaim the sacred message that holds them together. Despite this recognition, he approached his task with humility and trepidation.

This in itself is a lesson for me as I begin wrestling with my own emotions during this Lenten season. I would like nothing more than to be able to achieve overnight perfection. Besides, who else could be more of an expert on my own emotions than me? However, Kushner’s humility is a reminder that there is always someone better equipped, and who knows more, than I am. Part of the improvement process is getting out of my own way.

This is what 12 step groups say when they proclaim we need to find our higher power. We simply can not do things on our own. This does not mean we discount our strengths anymore than Kushner neglected his training as a rabbi, but it does require we have a healthy recognition of our own limitations.

Today’s prayer

As I begin this Lenten journey with Kushner, this is my prayer, that I will accept my limitations and allow myself to be guided by the one who is greater than us all.