Learning to Live With Limitations, Pt. 2

Last week I posted on Leading with Limitations at Together for the Gospel. When I saw the video below (via Michael Hyatt), I repented of even thinking I was limited. Ever.

I’m not sure of where this family is spiritually, but they certainly model making the most of your limitations. One of my favorite Patrick Henry Hughes quotes: “God made me blind and unable to walk. Big deal. He gave me the musical gifts I have and and the great opportunity I have to meet new people.”

Patrick’s example of gratefulness and faithfulness isn’t the only example worth emulating here. His dad shows a selfless commitment to his son that is simply remarkable, and a powerful display of God’s grace at work in the devoted love of a father.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Phil. 2:14-15)

I plan to post reflections on Together for the Gospel later this week. For the next couple days I’m getting some time away with my beautiful bride.

12 Responses to Learning to Live With Limitations, Pt. 2

  1. Sarah Bosse April 19, 2010 at 10:20 AM #

    Awesome thoughts and reflection, Mr. Kauflin! I am excited to read more about this. Thanks for sharing!

    Sarah

  2. Nadia Ibrahim April 19, 2010 at 11:53 AM #

    Thanks for sharing this…

    • Bob Kauflin April 19, 2010 at 9:00 PM #

      Nadia, you’re welcome. Just the fact that you come to the Sunday meeting and every week, and joyfully serve from a wheel chair amazes me. You’re one of my heroes.

  3. Troy April 19, 2010 at 1:57 PM #

    Wow, I’ve got a long way to go toward being that positive…and, as a father, that dedicated…but I’m inspired!

  4. Dan April 21, 2010 at 3:25 PM #

    This was encouraging in so many ways… Thanks for posting this.

  5. Craig Sterling April 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM #

    Bob,

    Patrick, his dad and family were featured a couple seasons ago on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”.

    Craig

    • Bob Kauflin April 21, 2010 at 4:19 PM #

      Craig, obviously, I’m not a consistent Extreme Makeover viewer…

  6. West Breedlove April 21, 2010 at 10:41 PM #

    Bob,
    I’ve been thinking a lot about “desperate dependence” on the Holy Spirit as worship leader. After reading about it from your book, it has helped our team spell out our core values and vision for ministry, and for me in particular, to set specific goals as a worship leader – like being prepared to respond to the Spirit’s leading in our second service instead of just repeating the first service (a warning you helpfully point out in the book).

    I read this post, and was reminded how last Sunday, as I was quieting myself before 2nd service, I saw a man and his son entering the church. The son was obviously disabled, barely able to pick up his feet. And his father was behind him, both hands gripping his son’s biceps. As they slowly and arduously made their way, people zoomed by them, not needing any help. And I was gently reminded by *my* Father, that this was about to happen to me.

    I was going to walk out into the sanctuary, pick up my guitar, and start singing everything I’d planned and practiced. I was concerned about tempos, wondering if they like this song I wrote, would they remember “All I Have Is Christ” :), etc…

    But as this living parable appeared before me right outside of my window, I was reminded that I was going to have to become utterly helpless and desperately dependent, only going where the Spirit guided, in order to bring God the greatest glory.

    It was great to see how he in fact did lead differently in the services. (In the 2nd, after singing I Will Glory in My Redeemer, I felt led to begin singing Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus as an application of I Will Glory’s last line “His face forever to behold.)

    I appreciate your instruction, Bob, and for humbly, faithfully, and joyfully training our generation.

    West

    • Bob Kauflin April 21, 2010 at 11:45 PM #

      West,

      Thanks for your kind words. More importantly, thanks for modeling a confident dependence on God’s Spirit to lead us, before and during the meeting.

  7. Dallas Mora April 28, 2010 at 12:02 AM #

    very powerful

  8. Kyle April 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM #

    Looking forward to your comments about T4G…

  9. Mary Jane October 8, 2010 at 12:05 PM #

    This is a true Blessing to Gods work in our life. We must Thank God everyday for our able working body, when one of our body parts stop working thats when we need to think that other many be worse than we are and God will see us threw.

    In this case Patrick Hughes is “normal person” in God’s eye’s cause, that is what God wanted for Patrick to be. As for Mr Hughes (the father of Patrick,) God has given Mr Hughes the strenght to work at UPS and be able to work with Patrick whom is Mr Hughes pride and joy that is what God wanted Mr Hughes to do in his life.

    Lord God I ask you for Blessings for the Hughes family and to those in the world who are sick with any disabilities that they or any one in their family has. Blessing to those who also work with children/adults with any kind of disabilty.

    Thank you Lord….Amen

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